Approximately 15% of the U.S. population has hearing loss. While many causes of hearing loss aren’t preventable, like aging or genetics, there are ways you can protect yourself against others, like loud noise exposure.
Let’s examine a few ways you can safeguard your hearing from loud noise.
1. Invest in Earplugs
Earplugs dampen the force with which sound hits your ears. There are a few different types of earplugs:
- Foam. Disposable foam earplugs offer quick, affordable protection if you’re exposed to loud noise occasionally. Just roll them between your fingers, insert them into your ears and let them expand to create a snug, noise-blocking seal.
- Silicone. Silicone earplugs provide a reusable, budget-friendly solution for regular noise exposure. They’re ideal for sleeping near a snorer or enjoying live music at the Hollywood Casino Amphitheater without damaging your hearing.
- Custom. Custom-molded earplugs fit the unique shape of your ears, delivering maximum comfort and protection. Many swimmers choose them to keep water out, but they’re equally effective in noisy environments.
- High-fidelity. High-fidelity earplugs lower sound volume while preserving clarity, making them a go-to for musicians, DJs and concert enthusiasts who want protection without sacrificing audio quality.
If you wear hearing aids, you don’t have to skip the protection. You can wear earmuffs over your ears for noise protection without removing your hearing aids.
2. Be Careful With Headphones
It’s easy to raise your cellphone volume past safe levels without even realizing it. Setting decibel (dB) limits is one way to prevent this. You can set decibel limits through your phone’s settings, usually under “headphone safety” or “headphone loud sound alert.” Your device may have the feature under a different name, but most phones offer it.
Aim for a max volume of 80 decibels to ensure hearing safety through all your favorite songs.
3. Use a Decibel Meter
A decibel meter measures the sound in your environment. Some meters use decibels, and others measure in A-weighted decibels (dBA), which more closely resemble how the human ear processes sound.
You can download a decibel meter on your smartphone. The NIOSH Sound Level Meter (SLM), designed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, is an excellent option for iOS users. The app isn’t available for Android™, but Android™ users can still find many highly rated apps to measure sound.
4. Schedule Regular Hearing Tests
Many people forget about hearing tests until they notice signs of hearing loss. It’s possible you haven’t had one since grade school. If that’s the case, there’s no better time than now to schedule your hearing test.
These tests establish your baseline hearing, allowing your provider to identify early signs of hearing loss before they affect your life. Contact Center for Hearing & Speech to schedule your test today.
