Most cases of hearing loss, including those caused by a birth defect or illness, are not preventable. However, certain steps can be taken that sometimes will reduce the risk of hearing loss. For example, limiting exposure to loud sounds can prevent hearing damage from occurring in children.

Children are urged to keep the volume low on electronic devices, particularly when listening with headphones. The general rule when a child is listening to headphones is that the sound should not be audible to someone standing 3 feet (1 meter) away. Children are also encouraged to wear earplugs when attending loud events such as concerts or when using devices such as lawn mowers.

Hearing loss due to injury can sometimes be prevented by following certain basic steps. For example, children should be taught never to put anything into their ears, especially cotton swabs. Children can also reduce the risk of head injury by wearing seat belts while in the car and wearing protective headgear while playing sports or riding a bike.

Women who are pregnant can take steps to reduce the risk of congenital abnormalities in the fetus that can lead to hearing loss in infants. Women who do not use drugs and alcohol and who protect themselves from infections (e.g., rubella, cytomegalovirus) during pregnancy reduce the risk of exposing their children to factors that may impair development of the ear structure.

Finally, having children immunized against diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella and meningitis (for older children and teens) can virtually eliminate some of the risk factors for developing illnesses that can lead to hearing loss.