You know that loud noise can hurt your ears, but did you realize just how much damage noise pollution does to your hearing over the long run? Audiologists in Arizona say all that ambient noise from traffic, construction, loud music, and more is constantly assaulting your ears and chipping away at your ability to hear clearly. While a single loud noise won’t permanently damage your hearing, repeated exposure to sounds over 85 decibels absolutely will. Each day, the tiny hair cells in your inner ear that detect sound get bent, broken, and destroyed by noise. Over time, the damage builds up until you start to experience hearing loss, tinnitus or ringing in the ears, and muffled or distorted hearing. The good news is, noise-induced hearing loss is preventable. Read on to find out how you can protect your hearing from the noise pollution all around you before it’s too late.
How Everyday Noises Can Lead to Hearing Loss Over Time
The noise around you every day can take a real toll on your hearing over time. All those loud sounds — traffic, construction, loud music — may seem harmless in the moment but are actually causing gradual damage.
Long-term exposure
Prolonged exposure to sounds over 85 decibels (about as loud as heavy city traffic) can lead to noise-induced hearing loss. At first, you may experience ringing in your ears (tinnitus) or muffled hearing. But over months and years, the tiny hair cells in your inner ear can become permanently damaged, making it difficult to understand speech and appreciate the full range of sounds around you.
The dangers are even greater if you frequently use devices like headphones, earbuds or Bluetooth speakers at high volume. According to the World Health Organization, 1.1 billion young people are at risk of hearing loss from unsafe listening practices. To protect your hearing, follow the 60/60 rule: keep the volume at 60% of the maximum level and limit listening to 60 minutes at a time.
Take action now
The good news is noise-induced hearing loss is often preventable. Some steps you can take:
(1) Avoid or limit time in noisy environments when possible.
(2) Wear ear protection like noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs in loud places.
(3) Keep the volume down on personal listening devices and take breaks to give your ears a rest.
(4) Ask your doctor about having your hearing tested regularly to detect any changes early on.
(5) Spread awareness about the dangers of noise pollution and hearing health. The more we all understand the risks, the more we can work together to prevent damage and promote healthier hearing for everyone.
Your hearing is a precious sense — protect it now before it’s too late. Making a few simple changes can help ensure many more years of enjoying all the sounds that make life beautiful.
Tips to Protect Your Hearing From Noise Pollution
Ever notice how your ears ring after a loud concert or how muffled sounds seem after using a leaf blower without ear protection? Those are signs your hearing has taken a hit from noise pollution. While an occasional loud noise won’t cause permanent damage, repeated or long-term exposure to everyday noises at high decibels can lead to hearing loss over time.
– Loud music. Cranking up the volume on your headphones or stereo and listening for long periods can cause gradual hearing loss. Try to limit use to 1 hour a day at 60% volume or less.
– Traffic and city sounds. Living in an urban area with constant exposure to loud noises from traffic, construction, sirens, and crowds can tax your ears. Give them a break when you can in a quieter space.
– Yard equipment. Running a lawn mower, leaf blower, or chain saw without hearing protection for hours at a time subjects your ears to sound levels that can cause damage. Always wear ear plugs or noise-cancelling headphones for prolonged use.
While avoiding excessively loud noises altogether is best, that isn’t always possible. The key is limiting exposure time and using protection like ear plugs when you can’t. Your hearing is a precious sense, so take steps now to safeguard it for the long run. The sounds of life are worth preserving to enjoy for years to come.