Avoid extended exposure to environmental noise.
Sound levels above 85 decibels (dB) can permanently damage hearing and extended exposure at lower levels sounds may also damage your hearing. Try to give your hearing a rest by taking breaks from noise exposure whenever possible. Hearing damage can happen at concerts, restaurants, sporting events, construction zones and many everyday locations.
Wear earplugs or some sort of hearing protection.
Wear them at loud events or while doing physical activity that involves water. Even swimming and surfing can cause hearing damage. Wearing earplugs and molds can help better protect and maintain your hearing ability no and in the future.
Listen to music at 60% volume or less.
Most devices that play music can get as loud as 120 dB. This sound level can cause immediate permanent damage. The 60/60 rule is a widely accepted guideline. This refers to keeping your device volume (smartphone, MP3 player, etc.) being set at 60% or lower and listening for no longer than 60 minutes at a time. Take a break every 60 minutes if you plan to listen longer.
Invest in good noise-canceling headphones.
It’s easy to turn the volume up as the noise gets louder. Unfortunately, this immediately puts you at risk of going over the safe volume threshold. A decent pair of noise-canceling headphones or earbuds will allow you to listen in loud locations (coffee shops, airplanes, school buses, etc.) without needing to turn the volume way up. The noise-canceling mechanism helps drown out outside noise which mitigates the need for higher volume levels.
Get your hearing checked.
Hearing health check ups often get overlooked. We typically think it is only old people or people born with a condition that should be checking on their hearing. Hearing health can be affected by many non age related issues. Getting a regular check up ensures that hearing health issues are detected early and helps reduce the chances of further damage.
Make healthy lifestyle choices.
Poor nutrition, stress, cardiovascular disease, smoking, infections and anxiety may all negatively impact your hearing health. Eating healthy foods, avoiding or quitting smoking, regular exercise and being aware of what you are putting into your body and receiving from your environment can go a long way.
AudioCardio is a technology company focused on hearing health and wellness. Learn how AudioCardio can help maintain and strengthen your hearing with your favorite headphones or hearing aids at www.audiocardio.com.