Doctor shares ears age faster than rest of body; Shares useful tips to protect from hearing loss

Research shows a hearing problem can trigger brain ageing and lead to cognitive decline. (Picture Credit: Pexels)

Many people do not pay attention to the damage that can be caused by listening to loud music, especially on earphones. Over time, a number of factors can impair your hearing, which should not be overlooked as they may lead to serious complications, including cognitive decline.
Dr Manan Vora, a Mumbai-based orthopaedic surgeon and sports doc, took to his Instagram account to explain the problem. He emphasised the need to protect ears, sharing research on how a hearing problem can trigger brain ageing and lead to cognitive decline. He also shared 4 useful tips that can help.

Online hearing tests

The orthopaedic surgeon shared the hearing tests that can be accessed online and give you an idea of your ear health. “A lot of people don’t realise this, but your hearing actually ages faster than the rest of you. Those high-frequency tests going around? They’re not just a trend. They show how well your inner ear hair cells are holding up. I’m 32, and I can hear till 16500 Hz.”

Reasons for hearing-frequency loss

Dr Vora explained, "We lose high-frequency hearing first because those tiny hair cells inside the cochlea (inner ear) get worn out over time. That usually happens from years of loud music, long earphone sessions, concerts, traffic noise, even poor blood flow from lifestyle habits… it all adds up.”
“And it’s not just a sound issue. Research links untreated hearing loss to faster cognitive decline, memory problems, and even social withdrawal. Basically, your ears protect way more than your hearing,” he added.

Also read: Sleeping for less than 6 hours every night? Doctors have a warning that you must not ignore

Take a look at the post:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dr. Manan Vora (@dr.mananvora)

Ways to protect your ears

Dr. Manan Vora suggested that you can take the following measures to protect your ears:

Turn down the volume: Keep the volume at moderate levels, especially when you are listening on AirPods or headphones.

Take listening breaks: Give your ears a rest by taking breaks from listening and taking off your personal devices.

Fix your sleep and hydration: Both help protect the body in more ways than one, so fix them before it’s late.

Don’t ignore early signs: If you experience ringing or muffled hearing, don’t ignore them and consult a doctor.

Also read: Delhi-based cardiologist has a warning for samosa lovers; Learn why his post is going viral

FAQs on ear health:

Q: How can I keep my ears clean safely?
Avoid cotton buds—clean only the outer ear with a damp cloth.

Q: What causes earwax buildup?

Overproduction or pushing wax deeper with earbuds can lead to blockage.

Q: Is it okay to use earbuds often?

Limit volume and duration; loud sounds can cause permanent hearing loss.

Q: Why do my ears ring sometimes?

It could be tinnitus, often from loud noise exposure or ear infections.

Q: When should I see a doctor about ear problems?

If you have pain, discharge, hearing loss, or ringing that doesn’t go away.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.