Ways to prevent hearing loss

As a music addict, I listen to music all day. I play games with audio, I watch series with audio. My ears always have something to listen to, so it’s important that I take care of them to prevent hearing loss. Now, I’ve got ways to make sure you decrease the danger of exposing yourself to it. So, let me share my common wisdom with you!

1. Avoid loud noises

The best way to prevent hearing loss, is to keep away from loud noises as much as you can. But what exactly means that? What’s so loud it causes damage? Well, you can check that for yourself. If you’ve to raise your voice to talk to other people, if you can’t hear what people nearby are saying, when your ears start hurting or when you’ve ringing in your ears or muffled hearing afterwards. Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB). What this means? The higher the number, the louder the noise. Anything above 85dB is harmful, especially being exposed to it for a long time. Let me give you an example: whispering is about 30dB, a normal conversation about 60dB. Busy traffic is 70 to 85dB, a motorbike 90dB. Listening to music on full volume through headphones is 100 to 110dB. A plane taking off is 120dB.

2. Headphones/earbuds care

Listening to loud music through earbuds or headphones is one of the biggest dangers to your hearing. To avoid damaging, it’s wise to use noise-cancelling earbuds or headphones. Don’t turn the volume up to cover up outside noise. Make sure the volume is to a level where you can hear your music comfortably, don’t go higher. 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. And don’t use earbuds or headphones for more than an hour at a time. Take a break for at least 5 minutes, every hour.

3. Hearing protection

How to protect your ears during loud activities and events such as nightclubs, concerts/gigs or sports events? Move away from sources of loud noises (such as loudspeakers). Try to take a break from the noise every 15 minutes and give your hearing about 18 hours to recover after exposure. Consider wearing earplugs during concerts. You can buy reusable musicians’ earplugs. They reduce the volume of music, but don’t muffle it.

4. Take precautions

Say you’re exposed to loud noises at work, speak to your HR department or manager. Your employer is obliged to make change to reduce your exposure to loud noise, by switching to quieter equipment, if possible. Or to make sure you’re not exposed to loud noise for long periods by providing hearing protection, such as ear muffs or earplugs.

5. Get tested

Get a hearing test as soon as possible if you’re worried you might be losing your hearing. The earlier it’s tested, the earlier something can be done about it. Consider having regular hearing checks (once a year) if you’re at a higher risk of noise-induced hearing loss. Especially to those who are musicians or work in noisy environments.

Love, Deem ❤

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