Preventing Hearing Loss

Up to one-third of hearing loss is preventable with proper hearing protection and by taking a few simple precautions.

Avoid loud noises: Noise is a primary cause of hearing loss, so make sure you protect yourself against exposure to loud sounds for prolonged periods of time.

• If you work in an at-risk occupation, check with your employer to make sure you’ve adequately protected your hearing according to OSHA regulations.
• Wear earplugs or earmuffs when using loud equipment (lawn mowers, powersaws, etc.) or when involved in noisy activities (concerts, sporting events, etc.).
• At home, turn down the volume on the TV, radio, and personal music players.
• Buy quieter products. Compare their dB (decibel) ratings—the smaller the better.
• Reduce the number of noisy appliances running at the same time in your environment

Be aware of substances that can be harm your hearing: Alcohol and tobacco use should be reduced or eliminated. Several drugs should be used with caution, especially certain types of antibiotics, which require strict medical supervision (during pregnancy, in particular). Ask your doctor about possible hearing side effects to any medications they prescribe.

Treat ear infections early: You need to prevent ear infections and treat them early to help prevent possible long-term damage. They can be potentially dangerous, especially in children.

Schedule periodic check-ups: Hearing loss, like other medical conditions, can be better treated the earlier it’s detected. After the age of 25, it’s a good idea to have occasional check-ups. If you’ve been exposed to loud or prolonged noise, or already know you have a hearing problem, a yearly exam is a good idea. All Sonus locations offer free hearing screenings.