Acoustic interference is an unavoidable feature of modern life. Whether it’s gardening equipment, heavy traffic, or our own headphones, the aural world has intensified. Such loud conditions can negatively impact your hearing if you fail to be cautious. The observance of National Protect Your Hearing Month in October provides the best opportunity to prioritize the maintenance of this key sense.
8 actionable steps to protect your hearing
Fortunately, there are straightforward steps you can take to guard your hearing from the everyday noise around you. Here are eight essential tips to preserve your hearing.
1. Become familiar with noise levels and their affect
The initial action for averting auditory damage is to recognize when a sound level becomes excessive. The volume of various sounds is measured in decibels (dB), and being subjected to them for too long can cause lasting hearing impairment. A fast summary is below:
- Lawn mowers and heavy traffic fall into the 85–90 dB range, which is safe for up to 2 hours of exposure.
- 100 dB: Motorcycles, construction machinery – Hearing damage can occur in as little as 15 minutes.
- Noises exceeding 110 dB (e.g., explosions, fireworks) can lead to immediate damage in just seconds.
By being proactive about how loud your surroundings are, you can successfully stay away from settings that pose a threat to your auditory health.
2. Determine sound levels yourself
Are you interested in finding out the true loudness of your environment? Your smartphone offers an convenient way to measure it. There are many free applications that act as sound meters, allowing you to assess surrounding noise levels. To get accurate results, measure from the distance you usually are from the sound source.
If you use this technique consistently, you’ll gain a clearer insight into your environment and be equipped to make wise choices to guard your hearing.
3. Keep the volume down on your devices
A major way people harm their hearing over time is by using their devices at loud volume settings. Despite their practicality, headphones and earbuds often mask certain risks. It’s noteworthy that numerous headphones can reach 100 dB, a level that can induce hearing loss in only 15 minutes of use.
Because they listen with earbuds at high volumes, more than a billion young people worldwide are currently facing a risk of hearing loss. Crucially, keep your earbud volume below 50% of its full level to protect your hearing. If you need to raise the volume higher to hear, that’s a signal your hearing may already be damaged.
4. Avoid using music to drown out background noise
If you reside in a noisy neighborhood or frequently work in loud environments, it might be tempting to use headphones to drown out the background sound. However, turning the volume high enough to overpower the noise outside is dangerous for your hearing. A better alternative is to use noise-canceling headphones, as they let you listen to music or podcasts at a far lower and safer volume. Should noise-canceling headphones not be an option, simple earplugs serve as a viable alternative.
5. When in loud settings, use earplugs
Whether you are at a concert, a sports event, or operating loud machinery, earplugs are critical for those routinely exposed to loud environments. They are small, affordable, and easy to carry, making them a straightforward but effective tool for hearing protection.
Individuals who use earplugs often can get custom-fitted ones, which give superior protection and comfort compared to standard types. You should certainly use them in all environments that are loud.
6. While at work, follow safety guidelines
If your job requires being around loud equipment or machinery, always comply with safety protocols regarding hearing protection. While some employers may disregard the danger, those who insist “it’s not that loud” might already have noticeable hearing damage and be unaware of the actual volume. Take essential steps to protect yourself by observing all guidelines and wearing the right protective equipment.
7. Distance yourself from loud noise
Often, the best strategy for safeguarding your ears is merely to step away from the noise. By increasing distance, the sound intensity reaching your ears is lessened, which works to reduce damage. For example, standing 20 feet away from a noise source producing 110 dB reduces it to around 100 dB—safe for up to 15 minutes of exposure.
The example of fireworks demonstrates this well. 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. In contrast, by seating yourself 2,000 feet away (approximately five football fields), you can view the show at a safer level, under 100 dB.
8. Existing hearing loss needs to be addressed promptly
It’s key to take steps as soon as possible if you have any hearing loss to prevent further decline. Auditory impairment is not self-reversing; it will progress. Statistics reveal that nearly 1 out of 10 adults in the 55-to-64 age group have serious hearing loss, and this percentage jumps in later years.
Ignoring the early signs of hearing loss only accelerates its progression. Typically, individuals delay seeking treatment by a full 7 years. 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
The observance of National Protect Your Hearing Month is an opportune time to place a high value on your auditory well-being. These simple actions can have a major impact, regardless of whether you’re seeking to avert future harm or you’ve already experienced some hearing loss.
To avoid future regret, arrange a hearing test immediately and take responsibility for your auditory health.