In a study by Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital, researchers have found evidence that the duration of use of over-the-counter pain relievers is linked to a higher risk of hearing loss. This study adds to a growing body of evidence that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen) and acetaminophen contribute to hearing loss. The exact reason for this link is still unknown.

While music can be a powerful motivator—as you start to lose steam, the music swells and you feel energized to push through the last little bit of your workout. Many exercise classes, including spin classes and aerobic classes, use music as a motivator in much the same way.  But researchers from Harvard have found that these classes are consistently above the level considered safe for hearing.