Quiz yourself: Should I get my hearing checked?
Answer a few questions to see if you could benefit from a hearing assessment.*
Preventing hearing loss
While it can be easy to take your hearing for granted, it is one of your most valuable senses. Being able to hear clearly makes it possible for you to communicate, build relationships and connect with your friends and loved ones. Learn what you can do to protect this precious sense.
3 simple rules to prevent hearing loss
While age-related hearing loss cannot be prevented, noise-induced hearing loss is preventable.
There are a few simple rules you can follow to protect your hearing health as much as possible, regardless of your age.
1. Protect your ears
If you must be in noisy environments, wear ear protection – no matter if you are home, at work, or at a concert.
2. Follow the 60/60 rule
When you listen to music, do not exceed 60% of your device’s maximum volume for more than 60 minutes a day.
3. Take a break
Take regular breaks when attending concerts or festivals where the sound levels are much higher than normal.
Question 1 – Around the table
Do you have trouble following conversations when there are 4 or more people present?
Question 2 – Family and friends
Have you received advice from your family or friends to get your hearing tested?
Question 3 – Understanding what others say
Do you ever struggle to understand what others are saying because you cannot hear properly?
Question 4 – TV or radio
Do you find yourself turning up the TV or radio even when the volume is loud enough for others?
Your Result:
A hearing assessment is relevant for you
Your answers indicate that you experience symptoms of hearing loss. We strongly recommend booking a hearing assessment in one of our hearing centers.
The result is an indication. An in-person hearing assessment can determine if you have a hearing loss.
Book your complimentary hearing assessment:
Your Result:
A hearing assessment seems relevant for you
Your answers indicate that you experience some symptoms of hearing loss. We recommend booking a hearing assessment in one of our clinics.
The result is an indication. An in-person hearing assessment can determine if you have a hearing loss.
Book your complimentary hearing assessment:
Your Result:
It cannot be determined here if a hearing assessment is relevant for you
Your answers do not indicate that you experience symptoms of hearing loss. However, if you experience trouble hearing, we recommend booking a hearing assessment in one of our hearing centers.
The result is an indication. An in-person hearing assessment can determine if you have a hearing loss.
Book your complimentary hearing assessment:
How loud is too loud?
Sounds are considered harmful when they exceed 85 dB, which is similar to the loudness of heavy traffic. Sound levels can soar to harmful levels in our everyday lives more often than you might think. Here are some noise comparisons for reference to help you limit your exposure to loud noises and thereby help prevent hearing loss:
- Normal conversation: 60 dB
- Busy street: 75-85 dB
- Lawn mower: 90 dB
- Chainsaw: 100-120 dB
- Heavy truck at roughtly 23 feet away: 100 dB
- Loud music playing on a smartphone: 112 dB
- Loud car horn: 110 dB
- Rock concert: 120 dB
- Ambulance siren: 120 dB
- Jet engine: 140 dB
How to prevent hearing loss from getting worse
Do you suspect that you already have some degree of hearing loss?
It is important to seek help as soon as possible, since untreated hearing loss can deteriorate over time. We recommend that you book a complimentary hearing assesment when you recognize the early signs in order to reduce the risks of untreated hearing loss.
When to seek help
Protect your hearing in loud environments
You can protect your hearing by limiting your exposure to loud sound environments - or by wearing hearing protection (such as earplugs or earmuffs) when you know you'll be exposed to loud sounds.
1. Loud background noise
Any environment where you need to shout to make yourself heard over background noise
2. Industrial noise
An environment where the noise hurts your ears or makes them ring
3. Live music
Concerts or festivals where the sound levels are much higher than normal
Loud noise and tinnitus
The most common cause of tinnitus is due to loud noise that damages the sensory hair cells in the cochlea (a shell-like organ in the inner ear, where sounds are converted into electrical signals). Damage to the hair cells in our ears can cause both tinnitus and hearing loss.
In fact, more than 80% of people with tinnitus also experience some degree of hearing loss, but many tinnitus sufferers are not aware that their hearing is suffering too.
Dr. Leslie Soiles
Au.D., Doctor of Audiology
Lic. #364, Chief Audiologist, HearingLife
Dr. Leslie Soiles founded HearingLife's Shrewsbury office (formerly New England Hearing Instruments) in 1996. As a Doctor of Audiology, she has worked with Ear, Nose and Throat Physicians for the first 20 years of her career.
Dr. Soiles serves as Chief Audiologist for HearingLife. Click here to read her complete bio and learn more about her education and background.
General_Last_Reviewed 2024-07-01
Sources
1. Beck D.L. (2012) British Academy of Audiology. Podium presentation.2. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langlo/article/PIIS2214-109X(23)00514-4/fulltext
3. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/noise/prevent/index.html
