Acoustic interference is an unavoidable element of modern life. Whether it’s lawnmowers, vehicles, or our own headphones, the aural world has intensified. Without proper care, this higher level of noise can result in damage to your sense of hearing. October is National Protect Your Hearing Month, making it the perfect time to concentrate on how to protect this essential sense.
How to shield your hearing: 8 key methods
Luckily, some effortless measures exist that allow you to insulate your hearing from common environmental sounds. Here are eight top tips to safeguard your hearing.
1. Understand volume levels and their impact
Being conscious of how loud is too loud is the primary step in avoiding hearing damage. Different sounds produce varying decibel (dB) levels, and extended exposure can lead to permanent hearing loss. A fast look is below:
- 85–90 dB: Lawn mowers, heavy traffic – Safe for up to 2 hours of exposure.
- Exposure to 100 dB sounds, such as those from construction equipment or motorcycles, risks hearing damage in only 15 minutes.
- Over 110 dB: Fireworks, gunshots, explosions – Instant damage can happen after just a few seconds.
A forward-thinking mindset regarding noise levels enables you to keep away from environments that are detrimental for your hearing.
2. Check sound levels yourself
Are you interested in finding out the true loudness of your environment? Your smartphone offers an simple way to measure it. Several free sound meter apps are accessible, allowing you to test noise levels around you. For the most accurate results, ensure you measure the sound from your typical distance to the source.
Using this application regularly can help you better grasp your environment and make educated decisions about protecting your hearing.
3. Keep the volume down on your devices
A major way people negatively affect their hearing over time is by using their devices at loud volume settings. Headphones and earbuds, while convenient, frequently carry unrecognized dangers. For example, many headphones can surpass 100 dB, leading to hearing loss in just 15 minutes.
Today, over a billion young people are at risk of hearing loss from using earbuds at high volumes. You should never set the volume on your earbuds higher than 50% of the maximum capacity if you want to safeguard your ears. If you find yourself turning the volume up beyond this limit, it likely means some degree of hearing loss has already occurred.
4. Avoid using music to drown out background noise
For those who reside 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. 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. In the absence of noise-canceling headphones, using earplugs is an effective substitute.
5. When in noisy settings, use earplugs
For anyone often in 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 simple 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. In any loud setting, don’t hesitate to use them.
6. While at work, follow safety recommendations
critically, if your occupation exposes you to loud machinery or equipment, you must ensure you follow the established safety guidelines for auditory protection. Some workplaces may downplay 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. It is vital to protect your hearing by wearing the correct protective gear and abiding by the safety rules.
7. Move further away from loud noise
Frequently, the best strategy for safeguarding your ears is merely to step away from the noise. Distance reduces 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.
Fireworks offer a good example. Even if a 150 dB firework explosion appears distant, being close to the launch site means the noise could still be over 120 dB, resulting in immediate damage. In contrast, by seating yourself 2,000 feet away (approximately five football fields), you can experience the show at a safer level, under 100 dB.
8. Existing hearing loss needs to be addressed promptly
Any existing hearing loss demands prompt action to keep it from advancing. This kind of impairment will not disappear; it only gets worse. Statistics reveal that nearly 1 out of 10 adults in the 55-to-64 age group have considerable hearing loss, and this percentage jumps in later years.
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 look into hearing aids or other treatments, the better your chances of preserving your remaining hearing.
Act now for better hearing
National Protect Your Hearing Month is an perfect reminder to prioritize your hearing health. These fundamental steps are effective and can make a big change, whether your goal is to reduce existing hearing loss or stop future impairment.
To avoid future regret, arrange a hearing test today and manage your auditory health.