Hearing loss is sometimes part of aging, and that is something inevitable. But cases like losing your sense of hearing because of too much exposure to loud noises are definitely something that can be prevented.
So to help you avoid this unfortunate scenario, here are some effective ways on how you can protect yourself from hearing loss.
Steer Clear of Loud Noises
You will be most susceptible to noise-related hearing loss if you have long exposure to loud noises.
You will know that noise is too loud to damage your hearing if:
– Your ears hurt
– You cannot hear what nearby people are saying
– You have to raise your voice when speaking
– You have ringing in your ears (tinnitus) afterward
You can measure noise levels in decibels (dB). When the noise reaches over 85 dB, that can ultimately damage your hearing, especially when you’re exposed to it for a long period of time.
Here are some of the examples of sounds and their corresponding decibels:
– Whisper – 30 dB
– Having a normal conversation – 60 dB
– Traffic – 70 to 85 dB
– Motorbike noise – 90 dB
– Music on headphones and on full volume – 100 to 110 dB
– Airplane taking off the runway – 120 dB
Take Care of Your Ears When Listening to Music
Listening to loud music with headphones can damage your hearing. But if you have to use headphones, here are some tips to help you protect your ears and hearing.
– Set the volume to a moderate level
– Avoid using headphones for long periods of time
– Take a headphone break every 15 minutes
– Use earphones that limit you to one volume, or use earphones that have a built-in limit
– Wear earphones facing away from your ears
– Wear earplugs so that they will reduce the volume of the music
– Allow yourself to have an 18-hour rest without loud noises
Protect Yourself from Dangerous Noise Levels at Home
When it comes to protecting yourself from hearing loss, you should be more cautious at home. The reason is: you know what kind of noise levels you are exposed to, and you are in control of them.
Here are some of the things you can do to help protect yourself from loud noises at home:
– Have your own soundproof room
– Set the volume to moderate and talk in a normal voice
– Turn down the volume when watching TV or listening to music
– Do not have the TV or music too loud when you’re sleeping
– Use earmuffs or earplugs to protect your ears
– Wear earplugs when you are involved in noisy tasks like mowing the lawn or using a household vacuum or a power tool
Protect Yourself from Dangerous Noise Levels at Work
Employees and workers who are exposed to very loud noise levels at work are prone to hearing loss.
Noise-induced hearing loss is usually gradual, which means you will not notice short-term effects. You should take preventative actions such as:
– Use earplugs
– Wear ear protection whenever you are working
– Set limits for noise levels within your workplace
– Make sure that your workplace is well-ventilated so that the noise levels will be reduced
Get Your Hearing Tested
The best way to assess your current hearing level is to get your hearing examined by a doctor.
Your doctor or audiologist will check your hearing and hearing function to measure your hearing range. They will also evaluate whether there are changes to your hearing that might occur in the future.
Conclusion
Your hearing ability changes as you age, and that is something to expect. However, you can make changes to your lifestyle so that you can protect your hearing as long as you can.
Hear More Associates provides complete hearing care services. Let us help you take care of the most important sense of the body: your hearing. Schedule a free hearing test in Lexington today!
