Tips you need to know to protect your ears in loud places
While age is a factor in many people’s hearing loss, exposure to loud noise can also cause problems with hearing. The difference between the two is that getting older can’t be avoided, but protecting your ears from excessive noise is possible.
When you are exposed to loud noises for a prolonged period (concerts, noisy machinery at work, screaming children) it can destroy the nerve endings in your ears. Once the damage occurs it is irreversible.
Everyone has a different sensitivity to noise. But if a sound is causing you pain, making your ears ring, or affecting your hearing after exposure, chances are this is having an impact on your ears. You may also end up suffering from tinnitus, which usually occurs after being exposed to loud noise.
If you know you are going to be exposed to noise, such as in the workplace, or when using power tools, always wear earplugs or earmuffs to protect your ears. These are available at most chemists. Hearing protectors can actually help you understand speech in noisy environments, so there is no need to worry that you won’t be able to hear anyone. Many earmuffs also allow you to wear hearing aids at the same time.
Some people don’t notice that they have hearing loss, as it can develop gradually over many years. It might not be until you have ringing in the ears or have trouble hearing the television that you know you need to be tested. You will then know if you have hearing issues, or whether it is something else such as an ear infection or impacted wax, which can be fixed.
Have you had experience with pain or hearing problems caused by loud noises? We would love to hear your story in the comments.
Related links:
How to protect your ears from the cold
4 problems that arise from untreated hearing loss
Quotes about hearing for first time