Hearing loss affects approximately one in six Australians, and this number is expected to rise with our ageing population. The human ear is a remarkable yet delicate organ - intimately connected to both hearing and balance. Protecting it requires awareness, prevention, and care.

How Your Ears Work

Sound travels through the ear canal, causing your eardrum and tiny bones in the middle ear to vibrate. These vibrations activate sensory hair cells in the inner ear, which convert sound into electrical signals that your brain interprets as hearing.

Your inner ear also houses the vestibular system, which helps with balance by detecting motion and relaying signals to your brain to keep you upright and steady.

Common Causes of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can stem from a variety of reasons, including:

• Ageing, as part of the natural wear-and-tear process

• Excessive noise exposure, such as loud workplaces, concerts, or machinery 

• Earwax build-up, head injuries, or infections

• Noise from everyday sources, like power tools, engines, or music 

• Certain medications (e.g., some anti-inflammatories and antidepressants)

• Loud environments—especially recurring ones—can damage hearing permanently if precautions aren’t taken.

Safe Noise Levels: What Australia Recommends

WorkSafe Australia sets clear thresholds to protect your hearing:

• Occupational noise should not exceed 85 dB(A) over an 8-hour working period

• No sound should exceed 140 dB(C) in any situation—this can cause immediate and irreversible hearing damage 

• To put this into context: household appliances like blenders or lawnmowers can produce about 85 dB, while jackhammers and gunshots can reach much higher levels 

• If you must raise your voice to be heard at a normal distance, the noise level is likely already hazardous 

• Higher noise levels require hearing protection and, in workplaces, audiometric testing 

Protecting Your Hearing: Top Tips

• Keep sound levels below 85 dB whenever possible

• Use quality ear protection (earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones) in loud settings

• Take breaks away from noise

• Avoid inserting objects into your ears to remove wax—this can cause injury

• Review your medication side effects—some can impact hearing

• Quit smoking, which can worsen hearing problems

• Schedule regular hearing tests, especially if noise exposure or age is a factor

• If you experience symptoms like ringing (tinnitus), muffled hearing, or imbalance, seek medical evaluation promptly

• Note: Around 70% of Australians never get their hearing tested annually, even though early detection can prevent serious issues 

Why Hearing Matters

Hearing is closely linked to quality of life, employment, and social engagement. Untreated loss can lead to isolation, cognitive strain, and reduced independence. Recognising early signs - such as frequently asking others to repeat themselves or turning up the TV volume - can help you seek support before issues worsen.

How Fresh Therapeutics Compounding Pharmacy Supports Your Hearing Health

At Fresh Therapeutics Compounding Pharmacy, we’re committed to helping you protect your hearing with:

• Friendly guidance on hearing-friendly daily habits

• Advising on appropriate use of hearing protection

• Signposting to audiologists for comprehensive hearing testing

• Educational resources to support healthy behaviour and awareness

Protecting your hearing is an investment in a healthier, more engaged future.