Acoustic interference is an unavoidable element of modern life. From lawnmowers and traffic to personal audio devices, the world is more cacophonous than ever. Such loud conditions can compromise your hearing if you fail to be cautious. The observance of National Protect Your Hearing Month in October provides the perfect opportunity to focus on the maintenance of this fundamental sense.
8 tips to protect your hearing
Fortunately, there are easy steps you can take to guard your hearing from the daily noise around you. The following are eight primary pointers for maintaining your hearing health.
1. Become familiar with noise levels and their affect
Being conscious of how loud is too loud is the initial step in preventing hearing damage. The volume of various sounds is measured in decibels (dB), and being exposed to them for extended durations can cause irreversible hearing impairment. A fast summary is below:
- Sounds like heavy traffic or lawn mowers (85–90 dB) can be tolerated safely for a maximum of 2 hours.
- Exposure to 100 dB sounds, such as those from construction equipment or motorcycles, risks hearing damage in only 15 minutes.
- Instant damage is possible after merely a few seconds of exposure to noises over 110 dB, like explosions, gunshots, or fireworks.
A forward-thinking mindset regarding noise levels enables you to keep away from environments that are unsafe for your hearing.
2. Measure sound levels yourself
Want to know the actual volume of your surroundings? A smartphone makes measuring sound levels effortless. There are many free applications that act as sound meters, enabling you to examine surrounding noise levels. To get accurate results, measure from the distance you usually are from the sound source.
Using this tool regularly can help you better interpret your environment and make informed decisions about protecting your hearing.
3. Keep the volume down on your devices
Listening to music or podcasts at high volumes is one of the most common ways people impair their hearing over time. Headphones and earbuds, while convenient, frequently carry unrecognized dangers. For example, many headphones can exceed 100 dB, resulting in hearing loss in just 15 minutes.
Current data suggests that more than a billion young individuals face the threat of hearing impairment due to loud earbud use. To protect your ears, never turn your earbuds above 50% of their maximum volume. If you find yourself turning the volume up just to be able to hear, it likely means some degree of hearing loss has already occurred.
4. Avoid using music to drown out background noise
When working in a noisy environment or residing in a loud neighborhood, you may be tempted to use headphones to cancel the surrounding noise. However, turning the volume high enough to overpower the noise outside is unwise for your hearing. A better alternative is to use noise-canceling headphones, as they let you listen to music or podcasts at a significantly lower and safer volume. In the absence of noise-canceling headphones, using earplugs is an good substitute.
5. Always utilize earplugs in noisy settings
For anyone frequently exposed loud environments—whether at concerts, sporting events, or while operating heavy machinery—earplugs are a must. They are small, affordable, and easy to carry, making them a straightforward but effective tool for hearing protection.
Custom-fitted earplugs are offered for those who need them regularly, providing better fit and protection than generic options. In any loud setting, don’t forget to use them.
6. Follow safety recomendations at work
When your work necessitates being near loud machinery or equipment, you must diligently follow all safety procedures for hearing protection. Some workplaces may undervalue the risks, but those who claim “it’s not that loud” may already have significant hearing loss and don’t realize the current noise levels. Take necessary steps to protect yourself by observing all guidelines and wearing the right protective equipment.
7. Move further away from loud noise
Sometimes the best way to protect your ears is simply to increase the space from the noise source. Distance diminishes the intensity of sound reaching your ears, helping to minimize damage. As an illustration, a noise source at 110 dB will be reduced to roughly 100 dB if you stand 20 feet away—a level that allows for up to 15 minutes of safe exposure.
The example of fireworks is instructive. Even if a 150 dB firework explosion appears distant, being close to the launch site means the noise could still be over 120 dB, leading to immediate damage. You can nonetheless enjoy the display at a safer level, below 100 dB, by being 2,000 feet away (the length of about five football fields).
8. Existing hearing loss needs to be addressed promptly
Any existing hearing loss demands prompt action to keep it from advancing. Hearing loss doesn’t go away on its own; it progresses. Particularly, close to 10% of adults aged 55 to 64 suffer from major hearing loss, with the rates climbing steeply among older demographics.
Failing to address the first warning signs of auditory loss will only hasten its advancement. It is common for people to wait an average of 7 years longer than they should before seeking a consultation. The sooner you consult with a hearing specialist and consider hearing aids or other treatments, the better your chances of preserving your remaining hearing.
Start protecting your hearing now
Take advantage of National Protect Your Hearing Month as a chance to make hearing health a main concern. These fundamental steps are effective and can make a big change, whether your goal is to mitigate existing hearing loss or stop future impairment.
Don’t delay—book a hearing test now and assume control over your hearing health before the opportunity is gone.