placed here only to preload the colorbox scripts
Skip to Main Content
Salus University Health
Home About
Events Contact Salus University
Clinician and patient at PEI

Protect Your Hearing in October and Always

October is Audiology Awareness Month and National Protect Your Hearing Month. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), more than 37 million adults across the country having hearing difficulty. Noise exposure from common activities like sporting events, listening to loud music, using power tools and fireworks can put you at risk for hearing loss over time. The good news – if you take proper precautions - in most cases noise-induced hearing loss is preventable.

Below are some tips on how to protect your hearing: 

Guard your ears. It’s important to wear appropriate hearing protection, especially if you work in a noisy industry such as construction or music. Ear muffs, foam ear plugs and custom hearing safety devices are commonly used in these industries. Similar devices can be worn during more leisurely activities including sporting events, concerts, etc.

Monitor the volume. While watching TV or listening to music, be conscious of how loud you set the volume. If you are using headphones, investing in high-quality ones that block out background noise can help you listen at lower levels. Be mindful of how long you are using headphones or listening to the TV. Frequent exposure to loud sounds can contribute to irreversible hearing loss.

Move away from the loud noise. If possible, try to move away from loud noises to limit your exposure. A noise is too loud if:

  • You need to shout to speak to someone at arm’s length
  • The noise makes your ears ring or causes pain
  • You have decreased hearing for several hours or feel as though sounds are muffled temporarily

Have your hearing checked annually. A comprehensive hearing evaluation and exam can provide baseline reports about where your hearing is and track any changes. If you work in a noisy occupation, it’s especially important to monitor any changes in your hearing to prevent permanent damage. Be sure to schedule an appointment with an audiologist to keep your hearing in check.

The Pennsylvania Ear Institute (PEI) offers a variety of services including comprehensive hearing evaluations and hearing protection options such as custom ear molds. Custom ear molds can help protect against noise-induced damage by reducing the effect of external noise and are even beneficial for comfort during leisurely activities such as swimming and listening to music.

If you suspect that you may have some degree of hearing loss or for more information on custom hearing protection options, call PEI today at 215.780.3180.