Noise-induced hearing loss isn’t just something that happens to construction workers or musicians. It’s a growing issue in everyday life, often caused by sounds we don’t even think twice about — our favorite concerts, a noisy commute, or blasting music through earbuds to tune out the world. Unlike some other forms of hearing loss, noise-induced hearing loss is 100% preventable, but only if you take action early.
What Is Noise-induced Hearing Loss
Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) happens when loud sounds damage the tiny hair cells in your inner ear, leading to gradual (or sometimes sudden) hearing loss. Unlike age-related hearing loss, which develops over time, NIHL can occur after a single loud event or from repeated exposure to high-volume environments.
How loud is too loud?
- Sounds above 85 decibels (dB) can cause damage over time. (Think heavy traffic or a lawnmower.)
- Anything above 100 dB (like concerts, sporting events, or a power drill) can cause damage in minutes.
- 140 dB+ (Fireworks, gunshots, jet engines) can cause damage almost instantly.
Since you can’t “see” hearing damage happening, many people don’t realize their ears are at risk until they start noticing symptoms.
Signs You’re Overexposing Your Ears to Noise
Not sure if your hearing is at risk? Pay attention to these red flags:
- Ringing or buzzing in your ears after loud noise (Temporary tinnitus is a warning sign of damage.)
- Needing to raise your voice to talk over background noise
- Muffled hearing after concerts or loud environments
- Feeling pressure or discomfort in your ears after exposure to loud sound
If any of these feel familiar, your ears are telling you to turn down the volume.
Everyday Tips to Prevent Noise-induced Hearing Loss
1. Follow the 60/60 Rule for Headphones
Earbuds are a major culprit of noise-induced hearing loss, especially with how often we crank up the volume to drown out background noise. A simple rule?
- Keep the volume at or below 60% of the max level.
- Limit listening sessions to 60 minutes at a time.
If you think you need to go louder, consider noise-canceling headphones instead. They block outside noise so you don’t have to blast your music.
2. Give Your Ears a Break
Your ears need time to recover after exposure to loud environments. For every hour of high-volume noise, give your ears at least 10 minutes of quiet.
- After a concert? Take a silent ride home.
- After using power tools? Step away from the noise for a bit.
- Listening to music for hours? Take short breaks to rest your ears.
Hearing damage adds up over time, so these small breaks help protect the cells in your inner ear.
3. Use Ear Protection in Loud Environments
If you’re heading to a concert, festival, sports event, or anywhere the noise level will be above 85 dB, wearing earplugs or noise-reducing earmuffs can cut the risk of hearing damage in half.
Some options:
- Musician’s earplugs (lower volume without muffling sound quality)
- Foam earplugs (cheap and easy for concerts, festivals, and travel)
- Noise-canceling earmuffs (great for construction work, mowing, and other loud hobbies)
4. Be Cautious with Sudden, Explosive Sounds
Fireworks, gunshots, and emergency sirens can cause immediate hearing loss if you’re too close. Whenever possible:
- Keep a safe distance from fireworks displays
- Wear hearing protection at firing ranges or when using power tools
- Move away from emergency sirens instead of standing near them
A single exposure to a sound over 140 dB can cause permanent damage — don’t risk it.
5. Monitor Your Hearing Over Time
Noise-induced hearing loss doesn’t always happen overnight. It can creep in slowly, with subtle signs like:
- Struggling to hear speech in noisy places
- Needing to turn the volume up more than usual
- Noticing ringing in your ears at night
If you’re noticing any of these changes, it’s time to check in on your hearing.
Think You Might Have Hearing Loss? Here’s What to Do
If you suspect your hearing has changed, or if you’re exposed to loud noise regularly, it’s worth getting checked. The sooner you address hearing damage, the better you can prevent further loss.
BLUEMOTH makes it easy to take control of your hearing:
- Start with a simple online questionnaire to assess your symptoms.
- Take an at-home hearing test (if needed) to get a full picture of your hearing health.
- Try 3 premium hearing aids at home, tailored to your needs, to see how hearing technology can improve your daily life.
