Have you ever
wondered just
“how loud is loud?”

In general, if you have to shout to be heard, it means the noise around you is too loud. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 5 in 10 young people listen to their music or other audio too loudly while 4 in 10 young people are around dangerously loud noises during concerts and sports events. These are alarming statistics! Repeated exposure to loud sounds can potentially damage your hearing and cause hearing loss, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and sensitivity to sound (hyperacusis). It does not have to be this way. Hearing loss due to exposure to loud sounds is one of the most common types of hearing loss. But it is also the most preventable.

Here are some practical tips on how to protect your hearing from loud

• Turn the volume down when watching Tv or listening to music. Better yet, make a habit of adjusting the volume from the lowest setting and then gradually turn up the volume instead of the other way around.

• Walk away from the source of the loud noise. Sometimes you have no control over the volume. This is especially true when you are watching concerts or sports events. Your best option is to stay away from the noise source.Try to sit as far away as possible from the speakers.

• Avoid loud, noisy activities and places. Limiting your exposure to loud noise can also reduce the risk of noise induced hearing loss.

• Use hearing protection. Several household tools produce loud sounds that can be harmful to our hearing. These include lawn mowers, power tools, vacuum cleaners and hair dryers. Make sure to use hearing protection when using these. There are several types of hearing protection for different activities. It is best to consult an Audiologist to find out which one is best for your needs.