Hearing Loss Prevention

Causes of Hearing Loss

Causes of hearing loss come from extended amounts of noise and short bursts of sound over 90 decibels. It's never too early to begin preventing hearing loss by starting with hearing protection.

Permanent hearing loss can happen as quickly as 15 minutes when exposed to certain sounds and close to instantly when exposed to sounds coming from firearms and some power tools. If your hearing is exposed to sounds over 90 decibels, immediate action to prevent permanent hearing damage should be taken. Once permanent hearing damage occurs, it can't be reversed.

Your Daily Noise Exposure

Your ears are fragile organs. If you take a few simple steps to protect them, you may prevent hearing loss caused by too much noise or foreign objects. Below are some measures of protection you can follow:

• Check the noise in your workplace. If sound levels exceed 85 dB SPL, reduce noise levels or wear ear protection.
• Use lower volume levels on your television, stereo and iPod. Special care is needed if using headphones or earbuds.
• Use noise filters or earplugs if you go to concerts or nightclubs. Take breaks to rest your ears and don't stand close to loudspeakers.
• If you use loud or noisy equipment such as drills, lawnmowers, etc. use headphones or earplugs for ear protection.
• Refrain from using cotton as ear protection. Cotton wool may push wax deeper into your ear and onto your eardrum. This can cause more wax production and/or damage your eardrum.
• Avoid putting fingers, cotton swabs or towels in your ears. These objects can push wax deeper into your ear causing further damage.