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5 Ways to Protect Hearing

Silence may be golden but that probably isn’t the case when hearing is impaired or lost.  The House Ear Institute (HEI) offers five ways to protect against hearing loss due to loud environmental noises.  The institute says hearing loss from excess noise accounts for almost 30% of all cases of hearing loss, which is always permanent, but is 100% preventable.

HEI urges everyone to protect their ability to hear clearly by doing these five things:

1. Mind the time you spend in an environment where the noise level is higher than 85 decibels (dB) and take frequent 15-minute breaks for quiet time.  The average adult can safely withstand about 8 hours at 85dB but only 15 minutes at 100 dB.
2. Avoid environments where the noise is at a hazardous level.  The need to raise one’s voice to be heard indicates a hazardous environment.
3. When escape isn’t possible, wear hearing protection that provides at least 9 dB noise-reduction rating (NRR).  Most such products provide 22 dB or more protection.  These products include foam, pre-molded and silicone earplugs, custom earplugs, and ear muffs.  High-fidelity hearing protection products allow for clear listening to music and conversation.  Gun enthusiasts are urged to wear plugs plus ear muffs when hunting and during target practice.  Most local drugstores and sporting goods stores carry suitable products.
4. Avoid on-stage amplifiers and monitors.  Never position yourself directly in front of a speaker when performing or listening to music.  Musicians are urged to limit their time practicing at performance volume as much as possible.
5. Seek medical attention when ear pain and/or hearing loss or change is noticed.  An otolaryngologist (ENT), otologist, or licensed audiologist can administer common hearing tests to assess any hearing loss or defects.

What does 85 dB sound like?  Motorcycles and lawn mowers usually measure 85 to 90 dB.  Normal conversation is measured between 50 and 70 dB.  Rock concerts often measure in the 110 to 120 dB range and jet engines taking off and ambulance sirens frequently measure somewhere between 119 and 140 dB.

HEI has plans to launch a unique, worldwide hearing conservation workshop in May.  HEI is a non-profit organization chartered to advance the science of hearing and improve quality of life by using research and education.

Source: House Ear Institute

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