How to prevent hearing damage from (excessively) loud noise

Have you ever experienced a ringing in your ears after a party? If so, your ears have suffered damage. Hearing loss is becoming increasingly common, and unfortunately, it’s irreversible. Thankfully, you can largely prevent it, for instance, by taking regular breaks from exposure to loud sounds.

The causes of hearing damage

Hearing damage can result from various causes. You might lose your hearing due to ageing or an accident. In younger people, hearing damage is often caused by harm to the eardrum from loud noises. The louder the sound, the greater the risk of hearing damage. 

Sounds up to 80 decibels are generally safe. This is comparable to the level of a hair dryer on its highest setting. Anything above 80 decibels is dangerous. Hearing damage can occur suddenly from a loud bang or gradually from repeated exposure to loud noises, such as loud music in a club or at a festival. Even listening to music through headphones is often too loud for your ears.

The consequences of hearing damage

Once your ears are damaged by loud noise, the harm is irreversible. If the tiny hairs in your ear are damaged, your hearing deteriorates, or you may experience ringing or buzzing. Often, this noise subsides with rest,  but if your ears are severely damaged, the ringing or buzzing becomes permanent. This condition is known as tinnitus.

The impact of hearing damage on your life can be significant. Constant ringing makes it hard to concentrate and often leads to poor sleep. Following conversations becomes more difficult, affecting both your work and social life. For some people, hearing damage can even lead to depression, highlighting the profound effect it can have on well-being.

Preventing hearing damage

Hearing damage is irreversible, so it’s crucial that you protect your ears from loud noises. Here are some tips to help you safeguard your hearing:

1. Wear earplugs at events
   Planning to attend a festival or concert? Make sure to bring earplugs. Many audiologists offer custom-made earplugs that provide optimal protection for your ears. These often come with a convenient storage case. Attach it to your keychain or keep it in your wallet, so you never forget your earplugs.
   
   
2. Maintain a safe distance from the sound source
   Even with earplugs in, it’s important to keep a safe distance from speakers at events. At home, avoid turning up the volume too high on your radio or television. Don’t place a surround sound system directly behind your couch, as this can lead to unnoticed excessive noise levels.
   
   
3. Take regular ‘sound breaks’
   After attending a festival or concert, it’s wise to give your ears a break. Allow them at least 24 hours of rest by avoiding music and staying away from noisy environments.
   
   
4. Invest in quality headphones
   When possible, choose headphones over earbuds. Earbuds sit directly in the ear canal, making the sound much louder than with headphones. Keep the volume below 60% of the maximum and avoid listening for more than an hour at a time. 

Whether it’s a night out at a concert or dancing at a festival, any environment with loud noise poses a risk for hearing damage. Prevention is the best option. With better headphones, custom earplugs, and occasional sound breaks, you can protect your ears. As they say, better safe than sorry.

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