October is National Protect Your Ears Month!

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is the only preventable cause of hearing loss. Although you may adjust to the loud sounds over time, unfortunately, your ears and brain will not. Once you lose your hearing from exposure to loud sounds, known as a NIHL, your hearing will not recover. A NIHL is typically gradual; by the time you notice it, it is often too late to prevent damage. Follow the tips below and start protecting your hearing now! Hearing protection tips 1. Use hearing protection around loud sounds. Foam earplugs are an economical solution or consider purchasing custom earplugs to best reduce the sound levels. 2. Turn the volume down of the TV, radio, music, etc. 3. Avoid loud or noisy activities/places, when possible. 4. Limit your time exposed to loud sounds. 5. When listening to loud sounds (e.g., music, concerts, fitness classes, etc.), take breaks from the noise. 6. Move away from the loudest sound source (e.g., speakers, fireworks, etc.). 7. Give your ears time to recover after being exposed to loud noises. 8. Do not put anything smaller than your elbow in your ear! This includes cotton swabs, bobby pins, keys, paperclips, or anything else you might use to clean or scratch your ears. 9. Keep moving! Exercise keeps the blood pumping throughout the body, including the ears. This keeps the internal parts of the ears healthy. 10. Get your hearing tested, especially if you experience a change in your hearing or ringing or fullness in your ears over 24 hours. If you have questions or concerns about your hearing, contact a hearing healthcare professional near you by calling 1-888-908-1845. Join our community of Starkey Blog subscribers Want a week’s worth of Starkey blogs delivered to your inbox? Sign up here. By Ashley Hughes, Au.D.