Exposure to loud noise can harm your hearing, especially when it exceeds 70 decibels, the safe limit for sound levels. Regular exposure to sounds above this threshold can gradually cause hearing loss over time. Using ear protection in noisy settings is an effective way to protect your hearing. What many don’t realize is how common unsafe noise levels are in everyday life. It’s a good idea to think about whether ear protection could benefit you and help preserve your hearing in the long run.

Daily Noise at Work

Most of us spend at least eight hours a day at work, five days a week, so if your workplace is a particularly noisy one, like a construction site, factory or busy restaurant kitchen, then individuals could be getting exposed to noise levels above 70 decibels on a regular basis, and this is the level at which, as your hearing health professional will tell you, gradual exposure can lead to hearing loss.

That’s why your hearing health professionals recommend using earmuffs or noise-canceling headphones to protect your ears in these settings. These types of hearing protection help reduce noise exposure while allowing you to focus on your work without distraction.

Noisy Hobbies and Activities

Do you enjoy hobbies that involve a lot of noise? Many individuals do things for fun that can affect their hearing, like playing music in a band, riding their motorcycles out in the countryside or hunting with guns, so it is vital that they take care of their hearing health in the process of enjoying themselves.

For musicians, specially designed earplugs lower noise levels without compromising sound quality, making them an ideal choice. Hunters can protect their ears from the gunfire with earmuffs or custom earplugs tailored for shooting. Meanwhile, motorcyclists often rely on earplugs that minimize wind noise while preserving their ability to stay aware of surrounding sounds.

How Often Should You Use Ear Protection?

If you regularly find yourself in loud environments—whether at work, during hobbies, or even at home—ear protection should become part of your routine. Hearing loss often happens gradually, so you might not notice the effects until it’s too late. Being proactive about your hearing health by using earplugs, earmuffs, or noise-canceling headphones can help preserve your hearing for years to come.

Types of Hearing Protection

The purpose of ear protection is to bring potentially harmful noise levels down to a safer range. Common options include earplugs and earmuffs, which can even be combined for added protection in particularly loud settings. And there are also noise-canceling headphones are great for reducing background noise, allowing you to enjoy music or focus in noisy environments without turning up the volume too high.

If you’re considering ear protection, meeting with a hearing health professional is a great first step. They can assess your specific needs and recommend the best solutions to fit your lifestyle, ensuring your hearing stays protected.

If you’re uncertain about what kind of protection is right for you, a hearing health professional can guide you toward the best options for your lifestyle.