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Posted on Oct 14, 2022, 1 p.m.
October is national protect your hearing month. It’s a noisy planet, safeguard yourself and your loved ones from induced hearing loss.
Sounds can harm your hearing when they are too loud and last too long. The louder the sound, the quicker it can damage your hearing. For example, everyday sounds such as emergency sirens range from 110-129 dBA. Just two minutes at 110 dBA can damage your hearing. The good news is that noise-induced hearing loss is preventable.
We found some great tips at Noisy Planet and the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) as they have created free, shareable resources on why, when, and how to wear hearing protectors to prevent hearing loss from noise.
When you can’t turn down the volume or move far enough away from loud sounds, you can use hearing protectors to keep your hearing healthy. The best kind of hearing protectors are the ones you like and will use.
There are two common types of hearing protection devices—earplugs or protective earmuffs—that can help prevent hearing damage. Hearing protectors limit the level of sound. They do not block out all noise. Earplugs fit directly into the ear canal, the narrow passageway between the outer ear and the middle ear. They come in disposable and reusable options and in various sizes. A parent should help young children insert earplugs and ensure they fit correctly.
Protective earmuffs are easy-to-use, reusable, plastic cups that reduce noise by completely covering both ears. They come in sizes that fit most people, including infants and children. Earmuffs are easier than earplugs to wear correctly, especially for young children.
During National Protect Your Hearing Month, we are joining Noisy Planet in spreading the word about hearing protection. You can practice safe listening for yourself and for your family by taking these three simple steps:
- Lowering the volume.
- Moving away from the noise.
- Wearing hearing protectors, such as earplugs or protective earmuffs.
Do you work at a loud place of business like a sporting or concert arena, restaurant, or construction site among other loud locations? Have you ever wondered just how loud it is or if the noise might be damaging your hearing? Well, guess what, there is an app for that. Click here to view the information about the free sound level app from the CDC.
Here are some useful links to information that you can read or share with your family and community or post to social media to help raise awareness of steps we can take to prevent hearing loss from loud noise:
- October is National Protect Your Hearing Month (shareable image)
- Do You Know How Loud is Too Loud? October is National Protect your Hearing Month
- Hearing Protection: How to Use Formable Earplugs (video)
- Hearing Protection: How to Use Pre-Molded Earplugs (video)
- Too Loud? Wear Hearing Protectors (GIF)
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement.
Content may be edited for style and length.
References/Sources/Materials provided by:
https://www.noisyplanet.nidcd.nih.gov/have-you-heard/october-national-protect-your-hearing-month
https://www.noisyplanet.nidcd.nih.gov/have-you-heard/cdc-niosh-app
