Dos and Don’ts of Wearing Ear Protection

Protecting your ears is important for your overall health, especially when it comes to your hearing. But do you know what type of protection you should use and when? An audiologist can guide you on the best options. Since everyone’s ears and listening experiences are unique, choosing the right protection can make a big difference. If you’re unsure whether you need hearing protection, it’s always wise to be cautious and use it in loud environments.

Take Regular Breaks

Extended exposure to loud noises can lead to a risk of damage to your ears and hearing. In fact, long-term exposure to loud sounds is one of the main causes of hearing loss. To help protect your ears, it’s a good idea to take regular breaks in quieter areas. Stepping away from the noise every 15 minutes or so allows your ears the chance to rest. If you’ve been around loud sounds for an extended time, giving your ears a break is important for their recovery. This recovery time helps prevent further damage and supports your long-term hearing health.

Clean Your Hearing Protection Regularly

Regularly cleaning your hearing protection keeps it both safe to use and effective over time. Whether you use earplugs, earmuffs or custom-fitted options, buildup of oils, dirt and bacteria can occur, which may lead to ear infections if not removed. For reusable earplugs, wash them with mild soap and water, ensuring they are fully dry before you put them back in. Earmuffs can be wiped clean with a damp cloth, and it’s good practice to replace any worn cushions or foam inserts as needed. If you have custom earplugs, follow the cleaning instructions provided by your audiologist.

Use Noise-Cancelling Technology and Ear Protection

There are many types of noise-canceling earphones and headphones available today, and they’re designed to protect your ears from constant background noise. By reducing outside sounds, noise-canceling headphones let you listen to music or other audio at a lower, safer volume. This can help prevent you from turning up the volume too high. If you frequently use headphones, investing in a quality pair of noise-canceling headphones can make a difference in protecting your hearing while enhancing your listening experience.

Don’t Turn Sound Up

Keeping the volume at a comfortable level is a great way to avoid putting extra strain on your ears. Regular exposure to loud sounds can impact your hearing over time. If you notice you’re adjusting the volume higher than others might, schedule an appointment with an audiologist, as this might be an early sign of some hearing changes. Taking these simple steps now can help maintain your hearing health in the long run.

Don’t Ignore Any Signs of Hearing Loss

If you do notice that you have any signs of hearing loss like difficulty hearing in noisy environments, then you should schedule an appointment with an audiologist. They will be able to get a baseline of your hearing and track any changes that may happen over time. This also allows your audiologist to find the right solution for your needs.