You’re never too young to be concerned about protecting your hearing. While hearing loss can be the result of aging, many incidents are the result of damage done to your ears by loud noise.
The biggest risk factors involved in Noise-Induced Hearing Loss are the volume of the sound in question and the length of time that you are exposed to it. The louder the noise, the less time you can safely spend in proximity.
At 140 decibels and above, sounds are not safe for any period of time. These include sounds like firearms going off or fireworks from less than three feet away. Steady noises at 120 decibels and higher, such as a jackhammer or jet plane taking off, are also not safe for any period of time.
Noises from 94 to 120 decibels can be dangerous without the right protection. These include food processors, gas leaf blowers, snow blowers, and chainsaws, but also live concerts and the maximum output of your headphones.
These tips can help you protect your hearing from everyday noise.
#1 Get Your Hearing Checked with an Audiologist
One of the first things you can do for your hearing health is go to an audiologist to have your hearing checked and tested. There are many risks to your hearing, and you may already have some form of hearing loss.
If they do discover hearing loss, an audiology clinic will also provide comprehensive hearing aid services. Hearing aids help you adapt to hearing loss and restore your ability to hear the world around you.
#2 Wear Protective Equipment at Work
The workplace can be a dangerous place for your ears. If you are exposed to loud noises on a regular basis at work, wearing protecting equipment such as earplugs or noise cancelling headphones is necessary.
Many workplaces that put your hearing at risk will provide protective equipment, but this only tends to be the case where the noise is considered high-risk. Even lower-risk noises can be dangerous over long periods of time.
#3 Limit Volume on Your Devices
Limiting the volume on your devices is an easy way to reduce your personal risk of hearing loss. While the sound output of a device may vary, experts generally recommend limiting the volume output to 60 percent of the maximum volume.
#4 Limit Time with Earbuds and Headphones
There are a number of myths out there about earbuds and headphone use. For example, studies now show that there is very little difference between earbuds and headphones in terms of risk to your hearing.
However, listening to earbuds and headphones is one of the biggest hearing risks faced by young people. The Cleveland Clinic estimates that 1 in 8 young people between the ages of 6 and 19 have some form of hearing loss directly related to listening to loud music through earbuds and headphones.
Volume is not the only issue that poses a risk to your ears. The length of time you spend listening can also cause damage.
As a rule of thumb, experts suggest limiting listening time to 60 minutes, even at medium volumes. Take a break before getting back to your favorite music.
Protect your hearing from everyday noise. Take into account your commute, your workplace, and your leisure activities, and adjust to make sure that your ears aren’t at risk.