Tips for lessening the impact of loud noise on your ears

• Use earplugs. Earplugs can be unobtrusive and will not block out the sound of music or conversation. In fact, by attenuating sounds, they can improve your ability to make out conversation and music. If worn correctly, earplugs can reduce average sound levels by between 15 and 35 decibels. Special earplugs are available for musicians and those who appreciate music.  Click here for more on earplugs
• Take regular breaks from the music or other noise source. Aim for at least ten minutes’ break every hour.  A minority of people are more sensitive to loud sounds and longer rest periods may be required.  If you experience tinnitus after being in a noisy environment, it is a sign that your hearing system is under stress and if this occurs regularly, permanent damage to hearing may occur.
• Avoid standing too close to the speakers or other noise source.
• Don’t go to noisy places too often, and try less noisy pastimes.
• Give the same consideration to the hearing of children and babies as you would to your own.  It is a mistaken belief that babies, seemingly asleep and oblivious, are not affected by loud noise.  Damage to hearing can occur at any age.
• Give your ears time to recover after exposure to excessive noise.  Listening to an average 100 decibel sound for around two hours requires at least 16 hours of rest for the ears if the hearing loss is not to become permanent.
• Consider your total noise dose.  If your ears have just taken a battering from listening to loud music, avoid subjecting them to other loud noise sources.

Click here for more guidance on the levels of sound that your ears can tolerate safely.

Click here for more guidance on listening safely using an MP3 or MP3 enabled player.