Three Tips to Protect Your Hearing

Approximately 48 million Americans have a significant degree of hearing loss, according to the Center for Hearing and Communication. Many common activities such as sporting events, listening to loud music, using noisy power tools and watching TV at a high volume can put you at risk for hearing loss over time. In most cases, hearing loss from noise exposure is a preventable condition. Here are three tips about how you can protect your hearing.

• Guard your ears. If you work in a noise-ridden industry, such as construction or music, wear appropriate ear protection. Ear muffs, foam plugs and custom hearing safety devices are common in these industries. Similar devices can be worn during more leisurely activities involving loud noises – 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 contributes 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

If you suspect that you may have some degree of hearing loss, contact the Pennsylvania Ear Institute today. Our expert audiologists will assess your hearing and make recommendations on how to address your hearing needs.