Three Ways to Help Protect Your Ears From Noises
You can’t avoid noises all the time. But there are things to do to keep your hearing sharp, no matter how loud the sounds around you.
Keep tabs on noises. Be aware of how loud sounds are so you know if and when to protect your hearing. There are free smartphone apps you can download to help you measure sound.
But you don’t necessarily need an app to tell you when the decibel level could be harmful. If it feels too loud, it’s probably too loud. You’ll know if you have to yell to be heard above the sound, she adds.
Wear earplugs or earmuffs. When you do go to a concert or use noisy lawn equipment, consider wearing earplugs or protective earmuffs. These devices are helpful if you work or play in noisy settings. They muffle the sounds so the hair cells in your ears don’t get damaged.
● Earplugs fit inside your ears. There are different kinds, including ones made of soft expandable foam. You can also visit a hearing care professional for custom-fitted earplugs.6
● Earmuffs completely cover your outer ears to block out sound.
Keep multiple earplugs or earmuffs in easy-to-find places. Good options include your car, your bag, and next to your power tools or gardening equipment.
Put a cap on loud sounds. The best way to prevent hearing damage is to limit your exposure to loud noises. Here are some ways you can do that:
● Turn down the volume of the TV or music, especially if you listen on headphones.
● At concerts and movie theaters, move away from loud speakers or other noisy areas. And wear earplugs.
● Wear earmuffs when you use lawn mowers, leaf blowers or snowblowers.
● Plug your ears with your fingers or roll up the windows of the car when sirens pass by.
● If you’re at a loud party, take breaks by going outside.
● When watching fireworks, stand or sit farther back. And bring earplugs.