7 things you can do to prevent hearing loss and protect your ears

When you're young, it's easy to ignore or tolerate loud noise. After all, it's not like your ears hurt when the music is loud, so it can't be damaging right? Think again. Being aware of what can be damaging to your hearing and the steps you can take to prevent hearing loss are important from an early age.  Sure, loud music can be enjoyable, but even the slightest reduction in decibels can make a difference on your long term hearing health.

The following are 7 things you can do to prevent hearing loss and protect your ears:

1. Know what levels of noise can cause damage: those at or above 85 decibels.

2. Wear earplugs or other hearing protective devices when involved in a loud activity.

3. Be alert to hazardous noise in the environment.

4. Lower the volume of iPods and other sources of music: if you’re standing three feet from a person with earphones on and can hear the music, it is likely at a damaging level!

5. When you have to raise your voice to be heard by an individual at less than three feet, the surrounding noise may be harmful if exposure exceeds 4 hours.

6. Protect the ears of children who are too young to protect their own.

7. Make family, friends, and colleagues aware of the hazards of noise.