My hearing is already damaged. Is there any point in wearing hearing protection?

Reviewed by:
Mardene Badenhorst
Published on:
June 25, 2026

It’s never too late to protect your hearing, even if it is already damaged.

Ongoing exposure to loud noise can cause further permanent hearing loss, and while hearing aid technology is progressing every day, even the best hearing devices can only improve the hearing you have left.

Hearing protection is also an investment in your future. When you begin to lose your hearing, your brain has to work harder to keep up with the world around you. This extra effort can cause problems such as tinnitus (ringing in the ears), social isolation, cognitive decline, poor sleep, and chronic stress.

Our Ear360 assessment provides a clear, honest picture of your hearing health. It looks beyond the sounds you can hear to explore how your hearing affects other areas of your life, such as sleep, balance, tinnitus, and cognitive function.

To learn more about protecting your hearing, click here.

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My hearing is already damaged. Is there any point in wearing hearing protection?

Reviewed by:
Mardene Badenhorst
Blog length:
 min read
Published:
November 11, 2022
Updated:
June 25, 2026
Summary
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Resonate. The Podcast

New Zealand’s home for honest conversations about hearing and healthy ageing.
Mardene
Audiologist

Hi, I’m Mardene, a passionate audiologist with a heart for helping people hear and live better.