Hearing loss can't always be prevented, sometimes it's just due to the nature of aging. However, hearing loss due to loud noise exposure (nose induced hearing loss- NIHL) is completely avoidable.

There are few tips to avoid noise-induced hearing loss.

Generally, a noise is probably loud enough to damage your hearing if:

• you have to raise your voice to talk to other people in that environment
• you can't hear what people nearby are saying
• it hurts your ears
• you have tinnitus (ringing sound  in your ears) or muffled hearing afterwards

 

Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB): the higher the number, the louder the noise. Any sound over 85dB can be harmful, especially if you're exposed to it for a long duration.

Example of sound that over 85 dB :

• busy traffic – 70 to 85dB
• motorbike – 90dB
• listening to music on full volume through headphones, vacuum noise – 100 to 110dB
• plane taking off – 120dB

 

2. Take care when listening to music

Listening to loud music through earphones and headphones is one of the biggest dangers to your hearing in this era.

To help avoid damaging your hearing:

• use noise-cancelling earphones or headphones
• don't listen to music at more than 60% of the maximum volume – some devices have settings you can use to limit the volume automatically
• don't use earphones or headphones for more than an hour at a time – take a break for at least 5 -10 minutes every hour

By turning down the volume a little bit can make a big difference to your risk of hearing damage.

3. Protect your hearing during loud events and activities

To protect your hearing during loud activities and events (such as at nightclubs, gigs or sports/shooting events):

• move away from sources of loud noises (such as loudspeakers)
• try to take a break from the noise every 15 minutes
• give your hearing about 18 hours to recover after exposure to loud noise
• consider wearing earplugs – you can buy re-usable musicians' earplugs that reduce the volume of music but don't muffle it

4. Take precautions at work

If you're exposed to loud noises through your work, please communicate with your human resources (HR) department or superior.

Your employer is obliged to make changes to reduce your exposure to loud noise – for example, by:

• switching to quieter equipment if possible
• making sure you're not exposed to loud noise for long periods
• providing hearing protection, such as ear muffs or earplugs
• providing yearly industry hearing test

Make sure you wear any hearing protection you're given.

5. Get your hearing tested

Get a hearing test as soon as possible if you're worried you might be losing your hearing. The earlier hearing loss is picked up, the earlier something can be done about it.

You might also want to consider having regular hearing checks (once a year, say) if you're at a higher risk of noise-induced hearing loss – for example, if you're a musician or work in noisy environments.