How to Prevent Hearing Loss-Hearing Protection Tips
How do you prevent hearing loss? Well in this post, I’m talking about how you can preserve your hearing with 5 hearing protection tips. Coming up!
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Hi, I’m Dr. Derek, audiologist with ProFitHearing.com bringing you the best insight into today’s latest hearing aids and audio technology to improve your life! If you have concerns about your hearing, always consult with your local physician or audiologist.
Welcome to Question of the Day, Friday where I answer your hearing healthcare and audio technology question.
Are you concerned about your hearing? Maybe you have family or loved ones that struggle with hearing loss. Or maybe you have an occupation or hobby that puts you around loud noise regularly.
Today, I’m talking about what you can do to prevent hearing loss.
Hearing Protection Tip #1
Avoid loud noise exposure
Do you like listening to really loud music, going to concerts that are loud, listening to headphones at a really loud volume, having the TV up too loud, or even movie theaters? Listening to loud sounds over a long period of time can cause hearing loss. So anytime you are around loud sounds, just try to reduce the volume whenever possible. Also, limit how long you are exposed to those sounds.
Hearing Protection Tip #2
Wear hearing protection
If you can’t avoid being around loud sounds or loud noise, wear some earplugs or earmuffs. You can find earplugs at any pharmacy. You can get earmuffs that not only protect your hearing but also play music. Also, you can get electronic earmuffs that amplify the speech sounds of people around you while also blocking out all the loud sounds that you don’t want to hear. The most practical application for this is for people who fire weapons or like to hunt. This allows you to protect your hearing without completely cutting off the general sound awareness around you.
EARMUFFS https://www.amazon.com/s?k=earmuffs+hearing+protection
EARPLUGS https://www.amazon.com/s?k=earplugs
Hearing Protection Tip #3
Download a sound level meter app on your phone!
If you’re concerned that maybe it’s just a little too loud, you can check your app to see how loud it is. I use an app called Decibel X for iPhone. If you happen to have a new Apple Watch 5, it has built-in sound level monitoring. The watch will warn you if it’s too loud, and you’ve been listening for too long at that volume.
Decibel X for iPhone https://apps.apple.com/us/app/decibel-x-db-sound-level-meter/id448155923
Noise app for Apple Watch https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209593
Hearing Protection Tip #4
Check your medications
Are you taking any ototoxic medications? Ototoxic means that damage can be done to the inner ear hair cells which are responsible for hearing. Ask your doctor about ototoxicity and medications if you have any concerns that maybe your hearing has changed or if you’re experiencing any ringing in the ears after taking medication.
Hearing Protection Tip #5
Have a regular checkup by your doctor.
At least have your doctor look in your ears to make sure there are no earwax build up that could affect your hearing. Also avoid smoking or second hand smoke, as studies have found that exposure can contribute to hearing loss.
For specific guidance on noise levels and exposure limits, refer to the NIOSH and OSHA standards. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) as well as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) set safe occupational noise standards. Check out the links below for more information.
NIOSH https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/preventhearingloss/default.html
OSHA https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/noisehearingconservation/
Question of the Day
So for today’s question, what are you doing right now to protect your hearing? I’d love to know your thoughts, so please comment below. Do you have a question you’d like answered on Question of the Day, Friday? Let’s connect in the comments below.
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Remember, Pro Fit Hearing brings you the best insight into today’s latest hearing aids and audio technology to improve your life! If you have concerns about your hearing, always consult with your local physician or audiologist.
-Dr. Derek