Essential Tips for Proper Use of Hearing Protection During National Safety Month
Every June is recognized as National Safety Month – an annual observance to help keep each other safe from the workplace to anyplace. The goal of National Safety Month is to create healthier, safer environments. A major component of keeping yourself safe and healthy is protecting your ears/hearing.
Effects of Loud Noise Exposure
Everyday sounds can be damaging to our hearing. Sounds that exceed 85 decibels (about the average noise level of city traffic) can harm hearing over time. Noise that is over 100 decibels can harm hearing ability after a short one-time exposure.
Loud noise can damage the delicate hairs of the inner ear – which are responsible for hearing. This damage is irreversible and can lead to noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus. Oftentimes after an exposure to loud noise, you may experience ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or temporary muffled hearing.
Learn how to best protect your hearing during National Safety Month with these tips!
Tips for Protecting Your Hearing
Hearing is an essential function for communication and healthy brain function. To keep your hearing safe, follow these tips.
- Avoid Noisy Environments: Sounds over 85 decibels can be damaging to hearing ability. If possible, it’s best to avoid environments where noise can become hazardous. While this is not always possible, especially if you work in a loud environment, you should try to avoid noise exposure when you can. For example, if you watch fireworks, try sitting farther away to preserve your hearing ability.
- Keep the Volume Low: Whether you are listening to music or watching your favorite team on the TV, it’s important to keep the volume at a safe listening level. Sounds at 70 decibels and below are safe, but anything above that can cause damage to your hearing if listened to for multiple hours a day.
- Take Hearing Breaks: Try to limit your exposure to loud noise by avoiding it entirely, but if you can’t, try incorporating breaks throughout your day where your ears are not exposed to sounds.
- Wear Hearing Protection: Anytime you are around noise that exceeds 85 decibels you should wear earplugs or some form of hearing protection. Hearing protection is an absolute must for those who work in construction, at the airport, with power tools, or in a factory. If loud noise cannot be avoided, hearing protection should be worn.
- Schedule Regular Hearing Exams: Annual hearing exams should be a part of your health routine to catch any signs of hearing loss early. They are especially important if you work in an environment where the noise can be hazardous.
Take Care of Your Hearing
Be proactive of your hearing health this June by scheduling an appointment with Hearing Unlimited to discuss custom hearing protection. We can create custom earmolds and earplugs for the people of Monroeville, Pittsburgh, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today in honor of National Safety Month and start protecting your hearing!
