Any doctor will tell you that it’s easier to prevent a health problem than it is to cure it. Hearing loss definitely falls into that category. The world around us is getting faster and noisier than ever as people rush to keep up with changing technology. However, there are still simple (and natural) ways to keep your ears healthy. That way, you won’t miss it when life’s many opportunities knock.Noise is one of the quickest ways to affect your hearing. The ear contains sensitive structures called hair cells which convert sound into electrical energy which can be understood by the brain. Noise damages these receptors, and once damaged, they do not regenerate. Sounds that rank at 120 to 150 decibels, like motorcycles and gunshots, can easily cause hearing loss, while any long-term exposure to sounds over 85 decibels can also be potentially damaging.Therefore, it makes sense to avoid exposure to these sounds whenever possible. When you are in a position to control volume, keep it within a tolerable range, especially when listening via headphones. But what if you ride a motorcycle, or fire a gun, or work at a construction site? Then, using ear plugs can help alleviate the danger. Always make sure to protect the ears of younger children as well.There are other sources of hearing loss as well. Sticking objects in your ear to remove earwax can quickly lead to disaster. Certain medicines have also been known to cause hearing loss. The nose, mouth, and ears are intimately connected in the body, so it also helps to be aware of any problems arising with those regions Blow your nose gently, and never through only one nostril, and when flying, swallow and yawn whenever the pressure changes, such as during takeoff or landing. Finally, smoking has been proven as a cause of hearing loss as well, so avoid it whenever possible.