As hearing care professionals, our goal is to help you hear better through professional hearing care and hearing aids.

4 Tips for Protecting Your Hearing from Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

by | Apr 8, 2024 | Hearing Health, Hearing Loss, Patient Resources

 As we go about our daily lives, we are inundated with so many sounds that we may not even notice many of them. Have you stopped to consider that the sounds you hear every day could actually be damaging your hearing? It’s not just loud rock concerts that you need to worry about. Even standing in front of your running blender for too long could present a problem! 

Our modern world is much louder than it once was. And exposure to loud noises for extended periods of time can lead to noise-induced hearing loss. For individuals experiencing a noise-induced hearing loss, there is hope. As hearing care professionals, our goal is to help you hear better through professional hearing care and hearing aids. 

How Loud Is Too Loud? 

Sound is measured in decibels (dB). When noise intensity exceeds 85 dB, you’re at a greater risk of noise-induced hearing loss, and you must reduce your exposure time to the sound. For example, if you’re working with a tool like an electric drill that can emit sounds at 95 dB, you’ll want to use it for just a minute before taking a break! 

The real problem stems from a combination of noise intensity and duration. A balloon popping near your ear in a split second at 157 decibels may not do much damage. But without proper hearing protection, attending a concert that lasts more than two hours at 120 dB can cause serious harm. 

So, how exactly does sound damage our ears? Well, our inner ears are lined with tiny hairs that trigger our nerve cells to fire when they’re exposed to noise. Those nerve cells produce a waste product that begins to kill the cells when the noise is loud enough for long enough.    

This is why it’s so important to wear hearing protection when you’re around noises at harmful decibels for long periods of time.  

How Can I Protect My Hearing? 

Here are four practical ways that you can keep your hearing safe for years to come.  

  • Wear Hearing Protection: Earplugs are essential when exposed to loud noises. If you work in a noisy environment like construction or in the music industry, invest in properly fitted custom hearing protection and try to take breaks when you can. Don’t worry – hearing protection doesn’t have to be nerdy. It’s come a long way over the years, and some earplugs are nearly invisible!
  • Pay Attention to Duration: Follow the 60:60 rule. Listen to music at 60 percent of the maximum volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time, and then give your ears a rest.
  • Choose Over-the-Ear Headphones: Noise-canceling over-the-ear headphones can minimize the need for high volume by blocking out background noise. Aim to keep the volume at no more than 60%.
  • Turn Down the Volume on Electronics: Don’t leave the television blaring. Mitigate background noise when you’re using electronics so you can keep the volume at a safe level. This goes for the whole family!

Ready for Better Hearing in 2024?  

If you feel that you or a loved one may benefit from professional hearing care, Mass Hearing Specialists is here for you.

No matter what you’re going through, we can help you find a solution.  

To schedule an appointment, please give our office a call at (978) 425-9289 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

We look forward to hearing from you! 

Protect Your Hearing

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Brian Skeen H.I.S.

Brian graduated from Manchester College in Conneticut, and completed his apprenticeship at Mass Audiology while working on his state certification. Brian has a deep passion for technology and helping people, so hearing healthcare was the perfect fit. Knowing he helps give people back one of the most important senses gives him a meaningful sense of achievement. Outside of work, he and his wife, Sherry, love deep sea fishing, going to car shows, and catching a ball game in Boston.

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