1. Wear Ear Protection in Loud Environments
Short exposure to sounds over 120 decibels can induce temporary hearing loss. Even if you're just using your band saw to make one quick cut, be sure that you wear the proper hearing protection. While temporary hearing loss may seem like just a slight nuisance, it can lead to permanent damage in the long run.
2. Control the Volume on Your Headphones
The next time you go for a run or take your MP3 player on an airplane, avoid turning up the volume all the way. Many people have a tendency to crank up the sound to "feel" the music, but headphones are an all-too-easy way to cause hearing loss if you aren't careful. If headphones are your primary way of enjoying music, you may want to invest in a set that includes ambient sound-reduction features. This way, you aren't putting your ears at risk by jacking up the volume to block out external sounds.
3. Investigate the Sound Levels in Your Workplace
Sounds that are over 85 decibels can cause gradual hearing loss. Many people are exposed to this level or higher during a regular workday and must take steps to protect their ears. If you work with very loud equipment, like construction or farm equipment, regular earplugs might not be enough to protect your hearing adequately. Speak to your employer to find out if the provided hearing protection is engineered to cover sound levels that are above what you are exposed to at work. You should also be protected from both high and low pitches.
4. Have Your Ears Examined Regularly
A hearing test and ear examination should be part of your regular medical checkup. The sooner you and your doctor discover ear or hearing problems, the sooner you can take steps to prevent or reverse the damage. Additionally, any time you go on medication, you should ask your doctor whether your hearing could be temporarily affected.
