How to help protect your hearing health

Your ears are small but mighty organs containing some of the body’s tiniest, most unique bones — all of which work together to help you hear and keep your balance. But, in a world of big sounds and loud situations, you may be unknowingly putting your hearing at risk. 

And it’s becoming a bigger concern for younger generations. In fact, an estimated 17% of teenagers and 19% of people in their 20s have signs of noise-induced hearing loss.¹

Aging tops the list of causes of hearing loss, but excessive noise exposure — either one time or over many years — is now generally considered the second most common² factor. That means, in some cases, hearing loss may be preventable — if you dial down the decibels (dB). 

Your ability to hear relies on tens of thousands of tiny sensors called hair cells in your cochlea, or inner ear. These hair cells convert vibrations into electrical impulses, which eventually travel to your brain. But loud noises can destroy hair cells and damage hearing.

With this type of hearing loss, once it’s gone, you can’t get the hearing back — and treatment, such as hearing aids, becomes the best option. Delaying treatment may increase the risk of falls, depression and dementia.³

While sound around 70 dB, such as the level of normal conversation, is unlikely to damage hearing, there are other everyday situations where noise can exceed safe dBs:⁴

The hum of a common mower can create noise levels as high as 91 dB, which may damage hearing after two hours of exposure. Snowblowers, leaf blowers, weed whackers and power tools can be even louder. Some people may even wear headphones for music while cutting the lawn or doing other loud home improvement projects, a practice hearing health professionals recommend avoiding. Instead, these types of activities warrant the use of ear plugs to help lower the volume and protect against excessive noise exposure.

The open road can be a dangerously noisy place. Just 50 minutes of exposure to a rumbling motorcycle engine — which clocks in at over 90 dB — may contribute to hearing loss. 

The noise level in baseball stadiums can reach an average of 83 dB and a peak of 126 dB, readings that are high enough to cause hearing damage. Noise levels at 100 dB can damage hearing in just 15 minutes. Wearing ear plugs can help reduce your risk. 

The risk of hearing damage may be even greater at a live music event. Nightclubs and rock concerts can produce sound readings beyond 110 dB. Without ear protection, permanent hearing loss is possible in fewer than five minutes. Likewise, the maximum dB levels of personal audio devices, piped through earbuds or headphones, can be similar to rock concerts — with harm possible in just minutes.  

Loud sounds don’t have to be prolonged to be dangerous. A gunshot or a fireworks explosion can be so loud that one quick blast may cause lasting hearing loss or a ringing in the ear called tinnitus. Almost all firearms and many fireworks create noise that is over 140 dB. To protect your hearing at firing ranges and other areas where quick blasts are possible, experts recommend wearing protection both in and over the ears.

Limiting the duration and intensity of noise exposure can be your best defense for protecting your hearing. These suggestions may help:

• Consider using a sound meter app to monitor what may be unsafe noise in public, such as in restaurants or fitness classes 
• Avoid noisy places or take frequent breaks, including at concerts
• Wear foam earplugs or reusable hearing protection if you can’t avoid extended exposure to loud sounds and places
• Turn down the volume and follow the 60-60 listening rule: Set audio devices at no more than 60% of maximum volume and listen for no more than 60 minutes a day
• Consider noise-canceling headphones or earbuds

If you suspect that you or a loved one may have hearing loss, consider using an online hearing assessment as a first step to determine if care and treatment may be necessary.

For more information about how to help protect your hearing, visit uhchearing.com. Eligible members can also access significant savings on hearing aids as compared to national average retail prices.