According to the American Diabetes Association, hearing loss is twice as common in diabetics and of those who have prediabetes, hearing loss is 30 percent higher than in those with normal blood glucose.

While it’s not known why these hearing changes occur, it is thought that high blood sugar levels can damage the small blood vessels in the inner ear.

To avoid getting diabetes, make lifestyle changes designed with health in mind. Limit excess sugars and processed foods, and get some exercise.

4.            Beware of taking too many over-the-counter analgesics.

Think those simple drugstore pain medications are safe to take on a regular basis? Think again. Studies show that taking too many over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen may have an effect on hearing.

According to a study by researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, women who took ibuprofen or acetaminophen two or more days per week had an increased risk of hearing loss.

The study shows that the relationship between regular medication consumption and hearing loss is parallel. In other words, taking these medications more often raises the risk of hearing loss. And surprisingly, the risk seems to be greatest among women under the age of 50 who take ibuprofen about six or seven days a week.

“Possible mechanisms might be that NSAIDs may reduce blood flow to the cochlea -- the hearing organ -- and impair its function,” said study author Sharon G. Curhan of BWH’s Channing Division of Network Medicine in an article published in the Harvard Gazette.