1. Listening to Loud Music

iPods and MP3 players can be very loud- loud enough to cause permanent hearing loss. Maximum volume on an iPod is around 100 to 115 decibels, which can damage your hearing in about 8 minutes. Recent studies indicate that approximately 25% of teenagers have hearing loss due to listening to loud music. Once you damage your hearing it’s gone forever. Turn down the volume! And if you’re a parent, teach your kids about hearing loss, and get them volume-limiting headphones. And remember that ear buds pipe the music directly into your ear canal, which is more likely to cause hearing loss. Instead, listen with headphones that cover the ears.

2. Exercising in a Noisy Gym

Many gyms provide classes for their members, and some of these classes (typically Zumba and Spinning classes) keep the music very loud-sometimesloud enough to damage your hearing. If you’re in a loud class, wear hearing protection (foam earplugs are fine) or get the instructor to turn the volume down to a reasonable level.

3. Attending Loud Concerts, Bars or Religious Services

Many churches have live bands that play great music, but they can turn it up to extremely loud levels. If it’s uncomfortable, contact the church administrator and have them turn down the volume. Same thing for bars and concerts, although it may be more difficult to get their cooperation. If the venue won’t cooperate, either find a new venue or simply pick up a pair of foam ear plugs (you can come by one of our offices and we’ll give you a pair for free).

4. Home Improvement & Maintenance

Power tools, lawnmowers and leaf blowers are very loud, but most people don’t bother to use hearing protection while using them. Be warned that exposure to these loud sounds for long periods of time, on a regular basis can be detrimental to your hearing. In most cases hearing loss is preventable if you take the proper precautions.

5. Hunting

Gun shots can be as loud at 140 decibels, which can cause permanent hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing in the ears)with one shot. Luckily, there are custom hearing protection devices that allow you to hear conversations and animal sounds at a normal level and then protect your hearing when you take a shot. Learn more about hunter’s plugs.