6 WAYS TO SAVE YOUR HEARING

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1.1 Billion People at Risk for Noise Induced Hearing Loss

The World Health Organization estimates that 1.1 people are at risk for noise-induced hearing loss from the exposure to excessive sound levels from personal audio devices and noisy environments such as nightclubs, bars, concerts, and sporting events. An estimated 26 million Americans already suffer from the condition.

How Loud is Too Loud? Prolonged exposure to any sound louder than 85 decibels is potentially damaging. Many of our daily activities cross this threshold:

Decibel Level

Weakest sound heard 0 dB

Normal conversation 60 dB

City traffic 85 dB

MP3 player at max volume 105 dB

Rock concert 115 dB

Police sirens 130 dB

Jet engine at 100’ 140 dB

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss is 100% Preventable

Noise-induced hearing loss is 100% preventable if you make the right choices. Here are 6 ways you can protect yourself from permanent hearing loss.

1. Use Custom Earplugs You don’t have to ditch your plans to see your favorite musician perform live in concert. Custom earplugs will protect your hearing, and unlike foam earplugs, custom earplugs contain sophisticated electronics that reduce sound volume evenly across frequencies so that music and speech can be heard clearly and naturally. Custom earplugs are also molded to the contours of your ear for maximum comfort. Contact your local hearing specialist for more information.

2. Maintain a Safe Distance From the Sound Source

The inverse square law, as applied to sound, states that as you double the distance from the source of sound the intensity of the sound drops by 75%. This law of physics could save your hearing at a rock concert; instead of standing front row next to the speaker, increase your distance as much as possible, balancing the benefits of a good view against a safe distance.

Image by Borb at Wikimedia Commons

3. Take Rest Breaks For Your EarsHearing damage from exposure to loud sound is dependent on three factors:

Protective Measures

1. The sound level or intensity Custom earplugs

2. Your distance from the sound source Maintain safe distance

3. The amount of time you’re exposed to the sound Rest breaks for your ears

If you’re at a concert or in a recording studio, for example, make sure to give your ears periodic breaks and time to recover.

4. Turn Down the Music Follow the 60/60 rule - keep the volume of any portable music player at no higher that 60% of the maximum volume for no longer than 60 minutes per day.

Photo taken by Stahlkocher

5. Buy Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Noise-cancelling headphones will filter out loud background sounds (like In a busy city) so that you can enjoy your music without violating the 60/60 rule.

Photo by Mark Kim

6. Schedule Regular Hearing Exams

Since hearing loss develops slowly, it is difficult to detect. For most people, the only way to know if hearing loss is present is to have a professional hearing test.

But you shouldn’t wait until after the damage is done to schedule an appointment; prevention is the best medicine, and your local hearing specialist can provide personalized hearing protection solutions so that you can avoid hearing loss altogether.