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Signs of hearing loss

Hearing is easy to take for granted, yet it is one of our most valuable senses. Our ears constantly supply us with the vital information we need to communicate with each other, experience emotions and recall memories. So see what you can do to take good care of your ears.

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The louder the noise and the longer you are exposed to it, the bigger the risk of hearing damage. Protect your ears with earplugs, ear cup headphones or other kinds of ear defenders, and get away from the noise as quickly or as often as you can.

Today, people of all ages use earphones more and more, whether they are communicating at work, listening to music, or learning about new things. A smartphone with earphones is very convenient, but carries the risk of hearing loss if the sound is too loud. Fortunately, most smartphones have an indicator that warns you when this is happening, so it’s important to pay attention to this.

Take good care of your hearing by protecting your ears in these situations – or avoiding them completely.

Background noise

Environments where you have to shout to make yourself heard over background noise

Industrial Noise

Locations where noise hurts your ears or makes them ring

Live music

Situations where high sound levels make it difficult to hear for several hours afterwards

Sound is measured in decibels (dB). The higher the number, the louder the noise. According to most hearing care professionals, being exposed to more than 85 dB for hours every day can damage your hearing. But what does 85 dB feel like, and when is loud too loud? Here are some typical noise levels.

Normal conversation: 60 dB

Busy street: 75-85 dB

Lawn mower: 90 dB

Chainsaw: 100-120 dB

Heavy lorry seven metres away: 100 dB

Loud music on smartphone: 112 dB

 Loud car horn: 110 dB

Rock concert: 120 dB

Ambulance siren: 120 dB

Jet engine: 140 dB

Tinnitus

Loud noise is the most common cause of tinnitus.

Tinnitus is a ringing, throbbing, buzzing, or clicking sound in the ears. It is not a disease, but a symptom of an underlying condition such as hearing loss or another ear injury. The most common cause of tinnitus is damage to the sensory hair cells in the inner ear from exposure to loud noises.

To prevent tinnitus, use ear protection in excessively noisy environments. Turn the volume down when you listen to music through headphones, and be aware that in-ear headphones are more likely to contribute to tinnitus and hearing loss than other types of headphones. Allowing your ears to rest occasionally also minimizes the risk.

If you think you might have tinnitus, book a consultation with Hearing Partners. We are always ready to help you.

More about tinnitus

1. Do not overload your ears

If you must be in noisy environments, wear ear protection – no matter if you are at work, at home, at a concert, or on the go.

2. Keep to the 60/60 rule

When you listen to music, do not exceed 60% of your device’s maximum volume for more than 60 minutes a day.

3. Take a break

When you have to be in an excessively noisy environment for a while, occasionally go to a quiet place to give your ears a rest.

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