Noise is a ubiquitous factor in our daily lives. From lawnmowers and road noise to personal audio devices, the world is more cacophonous than ever. This escalation in noise can have a harmful effect on your hearing if you’re not careful. The observance of National Protect Your Hearing Month in October provides the best opportunity to prioritize the conservation of this key sense.
8 tips to protect your hearing
It’s a relief that basic actions can be implemented to defend your ears from the constant noise you encounter daily. The following are eight primary recommendations for protecting your hearing health.
1. Know volume levels and their impact
Being conscious of how loud is too loud is the primary step in avoiding hearing damage. Varying noises generate different decibel (dB) measurements; spending too much time around loud ones can result in permanent hearing damage. Here’s a quick guide:
- 85–90 dB: Lawn mowers, heavy traffic – Safe for up to 2 hours of exposure.
- At 100 dB (e.g., motorcycles, construction machinery), hearing damage can begin after only 15 minutes.
- Over 110 dB: Fireworks, gunshots, explosions – Instant damage can happen after just a few seconds.
A anticipatory mindset regarding noise levels allows you to prevent environments that are detrimental for your hearing.
2. Measure sound levels yourself
Curious about how loud your environment really is? You can easily gauge it using your smartphone. You can download various complimentary sound meter applications to monitor the noise in your vicinity. The key to getting exact data is to take the measurement from the distance you usually maintain from the origin of the sound.
Using this tool regularly can help you better interpret your environment and make educated 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, leading to hearing loss in just 15 minutes.
Current data suggests that more than a billion young individuals face the threat of hearing impairment due to excessive earbud use. To be safe, keep your earbud volume below 50% of its full potential to protect your hearing. If you need to raise the volume higher to hear, that’s a clear indicator your hearing may already be damaged.
4. Never try to use music to drown out loud noise
For those who live in loud areas or work in noisy settings, the urge to use headphones to overpower the ambient sound can be strong. However, turning the volume high enough to overpower the noise outside is unwise for your hearing. Opt instead for noise-canceling headphones; these devices make it possible to listen to your music or podcasts at a much reduced, safer level. Should noise-canceling headphones not be an option, simple earplugs are a viable alternative.
5. When in noisy settings, use earplugs
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.
If you use them often, custom-fitted earplugs can be purchased, offering improved protection and a better fit than off-the-shelf versions. Never fail to use earplugs when you are in a noisy location.
6. While at work, follow safety recommendations
If your job requires being around loud equipment or machinery, always follow safety protocols regarding 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 perceive the current noise levels. It is vital to protect your hearing by using the necessary protective gear and sticking to the safety rules.
7. Distance yourself from loud noise
Sometimes the best way to protect your ears is simply to move away from the noise source. Distance lowers the intensity of sound reaching your ears, helping to minimize 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.
Consider fireworks as a perfect illustration. 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. By sitting 2,000 feet away (about five football fields), you can enjoy the show at a safer level below 100 dB.
8. Address existing hearing loss promptly
Should you already be dealing with hearing loss, it is crucial that you take action so it doesn’t progress. Auditory impairment is not self-reversing; it will progress. Nearly 1 in 10 adults between the ages of 55 and 64 has significant hearing loss, and those numbers increase dramatically in older age.
Failing to address the first indications 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. By consulting a hearing specialist without delay and exploring treatments such as hearing aids, you significantly improve the potential for maintaining your existing hearing.
Act now for better hearing
The observance of National Protect Your Hearing Month serves as an opportune time to place a high value on your auditory well-being. These easy-to-follow 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.