5 Ways to Protect Your Ears from Noise

Most hearing loss is caused by damage to the hair cells in the cochlea. This damage is caused by exposure to excessive noise. It is permanent. That’s why it is important to protect your ears from loud noise or lengthy exposure to noise. Here are five ways.

iPod safety

Once upon a time, the biggest danger to hearing loss from noise exposure came from on the job exposure. These days it is recreational exposure. Whether you are listening to music, a podcast, or your favorite show, you can damage your hearing with personal listening devices.

The best rule to protect your hearing is the 60/60 rule. That means only listen to 60 minutes of music/entertainment at 60 percent volume each day. If you have the habit of falling asleep with earbuds in and your favorite tunes on, set the volume down and set a sleep time for 15-20 minutes.

Speaking of earbuds, opt for the older style “muff” headphones. These do a better job of blocking outside noise and allow you to listen at a much lower volume.

On the job safety

Workers have a right to a safe workplace. That right extends to their ears as well. The Department of Labor’s OSHA office sets standards for workplace exposure to noise. Your employer must provide you with protective gear and teach you how to properly use it. Permissible noise exposure depends on the decibel level of the noise and the length of exposure. Depending on your noise exposure, your employer may be required to provide you with a free annual hearing exam.

Follow all workplace rules to protect your ears from noise. If you feel you are not provided with adequate protective devices, talk to your human resources department.

Safety at the club or concert

Just because you want to listen to music for many years to come doesn’t mean you can’t listen to music today. However, the sound levels at most clubs and concerts are high enough to cause damage. You can still enjoy the music and the live entertainment; just wear earplugs. Earplugs will decrease the decibel exposure by 15-35 decibels. Afterward, give your ears a rest. Action on Hearing loss recommends you take advantage of “chill out” sections if available, stand away from speakers and enjoy the quiet after the concert.

Power tool safety

Just because you aren’t working on a construction site doesn’t mean you are safe from noise-induced hearing loss. Power tools, lawn mowers, sanders, chainsaws, leaf blowers and other motorized tools create noise at levels that can cause damage.

Wear protective earmuffs. Even short bursts of noise at high levels can cause permanent damage.

Turn it down

Turn down the TV, radio, and MP3 player. Even a small reduction in volume can mean a big reduction in the risk of damage to hearing. The best rule of thumb, if you can’t hold a conversation at a normal tone of voice, you’ve got the volume up too loud. This applies to listening to music in the car as well. The small interior space magnifies the sound. Remember, every increase of three decibels doubles the amount of sound energy and halves the amount of exposure time.

If you have had previous exposure to loud noise, contact an audiologist for an exam. A complete hearing exam will establish a baseline and determine if you have already experienced hearing loss.