Hearing loss is a normal, gradual occurrence that takes place during the aging process. The primary cause of this hearing loss is excessive noise. Certain sounds can cause permanent hearing loss almost instantly due to unprotected exposure.
Protecting yourself from noise:
- It is important to wear hearing protection at your job if the noise level exceeds 85dB.
- Decrease the volume on your earbuds or headphones. Also, turn the volume down on your TV, stereo, iPod, and cell phone.
- Especially take care with your car stereo volume - avoid turning it up too loud to compensate for noise from the engine or the wind.
- If you go to rock concerts or nightclubs, don't stand near blaring speakers and wear custom noise filters or solid earplugs.
- Noise-cancelling headphones or solid earplugs are very beneficial while using loud equipment such as drills, lawnmowers, etc.
Avoid damage from foreign objects:
- Never use cotton swabs to clean your ears. This can pack wax down onto your eardrum and increase the production of wax and/or can damage the eardrum.
- Washing your ears with unclean water can cause ear infections. Be sure to wash your ears with CLEAN water to avoid this danger.
Describing Decibels
Decibels (dB) measure the intensity of sounds. 0dB is the faintest sound the human ear can detect. The noise of a rocket launching can exceed 180dB.
Exposure to more than 85dB is typically considered dangerous by experts. Therefore, things like lawnmowers, headphones, power saws and motorcycles all are potential culprits of permanent hearing loss.
For more advice on how to prevent hearing loss, or to find a hearing professional who can test your hearing, call 1-855-970-2990 or click here and we’ll be glad to help find one near you.