Skip to main content
HearingLife logo
Book
Smiling woman with blonde hair, showing part of her face

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.

Book Appointment 6 signs of hearing loss
A blue map icon features a white location pin with a circular cutout at its center, suggesting navigation or finding a nearby service, like a HearingLife hearing clinic.
600+
locations nationwide
group of people icon with blue and green accents
500,000+
satisfied customers
icon of hearing aid
30-day risk-free
hearing aid trial**
icon of person wearing headphones
Complimentary
hearing assessment*

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.

A minimalistic icon displays a faceless figure wearing blue headphones, symbolizing audio or hearing-related services. The design context points to HearingLife's focus on hearing care and solutions. No text is present.
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.
Mobile phone icon displaying 60% battery or progress.
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.
relaxed person meditating in a cross-legged position
3. Take a break
Take regular breaks when attending concerts or festivals where the sound levels are much higher than normal.
Image shows woman during hearing test

Quiz yourself: Should I get my hearing checked?

Answer a few questions to see if you could benefit from a hearing assessment.*

Question 1 – Around the table
Do you have trouble following conversations when there are 4 or more people present?
Have you received advice from your family or friends to get your hearing tested?
Do you ever struggle to understand what others are saying because you cannot hear properly?
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:

Step 1 of 2

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
Noise level chart in decibels featuring examples such as a quiet room at 40 dB, vacuum cleaner at 70 dB, motorcycle at 95 dB, jackhammer at 105 dB, crying baby at 115 dB, rock concert at 120 dB, and jet engine at 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.

Older couple dining at a restaurant with friends, engaged in conversation.
1. Loud background noise
Any environment where you need to shout to make yourself heard over background noise
Man wearing protective gear operating a loud power tool with sparks flying.
2. Industrial noise
An environment where the noise hurts your ears or makes them ring
Crowd enjoying a live concert with bright stage lights in the background.
3. Live music
Concerts or festivals where the sound levels are much higher than normal
Woman with blonde hair holding her head, appearing to experience pain or discomfort.

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.

Take the online tinnitus quiz Tinnitus
Leslie Soiles, Chief Audiologist at [Company Name]
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
  1. Home
  2. Hearing loss
  3. Prevention