National Audiology Awareness Month: Turn Down the Volume to Protect Your Hearing

This October, as we observe National Audiology Awareness Month, it’s a good time to reflect on the steps we can take to preserve one of our most important senses—hearing. Approximately 13% of Americans, or about 30 million people over 12, have some degree of hearing loss in both ears. Factors like age and illness can contribute to hearing loss, but loud noises are one of the most preventable causes.

According to NYU Langone Health, exposure to loud noises over time can damage the delicate hair cells in the inner ear, which convert sound waves into electrical signals that our brains understand. Prolonged exposure to sounds above 85 decibels can lead to hearing loss and tinnitus. For reference, normal conversation levels (about 70 decibels) are safe for any length of time. However, many of us regularly experience noise levels far above this limit.

Lawnmowers can range between 80 to 100 decibels, concerts, and sporting events often exceed 100 decibels, and an emergency siren can reach up to 129 decibels. Even everyday devices like earbuds can easily surpass 85 decibels, particularly when used in noisy surroundings.

To protect your hearing, consider these tips:

1. Turn Down the Volume
Keep your devices at a lower volume. If possible, use hearing protection software to regulate the volume levels automatically.

2. Use Noise-Canceling Headphones
Instead of turning up the volume to drown out background noise, opt for noise-canceling headphones, which can help you listen at a lower, safer level.

3. Limit Exposure to Loud Events
Try to limit how often you attend loud concerts or other noisy events. Keep your distance from the speakers when you go to reduce the risk of hearing damage.

4. Carry Ear Protection for Everyday Noise
Inexpensive earplugs can be very helpful for protecting your ears from everyday loud environments, such as flights, loud gyms, or even during a noisy kids’ soccer game.

5. Protect Your Hearing at Work
If your job exposes you to high noise levels, make sure to follow safety guidelines. Use ear protection that’s in good condition and respect the time limits for exposure.

Taking care of your hearing is crucial, especially in a world constantly exposed to loud sounds. Making small changes like turning down the volume or using ear protection can help safeguard your hearing for years to come. National Audiology Awareness Month is a great time to spread awareness and take proactive steps to protect this precious sense.