Did You Know?
Repeated exposure to loud noise over the years can damage your hearing—long after exposure has stopped. The impact of noise adds up over a lifetime. If you are exposed to loud sounds on a regular basis, your risk for permanent damage increases over time. Even a single but long-lasting loud event can cause damage.
This is just one of the many informative facts available on CDC’s National Center for Environmental Health’s hearing loss website.
Think you are aware of how to protect yourself? When it comes to hearing loss, we can all think of the usual suspects: attending sporting events, entertainment venues, and loud concerts. Volume isn’t the only factor to consider. Noise exposure is cumulative. Practice safe listening at home, school, and while commuting by reducing the duration of headphone use. Give your ears a rest!
Everyday activities can damage hearing. Such as:
-
Using power tools
-
Moving the lawn
-
Attending a fitness or gym class with loud music
Occasional activities can also damage hearing. Such as:
-
Concerts
-
Events with loud music or speakers (wedding/movie theater)
-
Dance clubs
-
Fireworks
Tips for Safe Listening
Is the noise too loud? If you need to shout to make yourself heard, yes.
-
Ways to protect your hearing include
-
-
Turning down the volume
-
Taking periodic breaks from noise or move away from speakers – give your ears a rest!
-
Using hearing protection, such as earplugs and hearing protection earmuffs
-
If you find yourself without access to hearing protection, cover your ears with your hands
-
-
Signs that you may have hearing loss include
-
-
Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds (e.g., doorbell, telephone, alarm clock)
-
Difficulty understanding conversations in a noisy place.
-
What do you do about hearing loss?
-
You may see an otolaryngologist or ENT (Ears, Nose, Throat) doctor who will work with you to find out why you’re having trouble hearing and offer specific treatment options
-
You may be referred to an audiologist for a hearing test and help with hearing aids if needed
Additional Resources:
https://www.noisyplanet.nidcd.nih.gov/parents/too-loud-too-long
https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/features/protect-your-hearing-month/index.html