During this year’s National Protect Your Hearing Month—observed each October—learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones from noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), and help Noisy Planet spread the word to others.

Sounds can harm your hearing when they are too loud and last too long. The louder the sound, the quicker it can damage your hearing. For example, everyday sounds such as emergency sirens range from 110-129 dBA. Just two minutes at 110 dBA can damage your hearing. The good news is that noise-induced hearing loss is preventable.

Noisy Planet and the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) have created free, shareable resources on why, when, and how to wear hearing protectors to prevent hearing loss from noise.

When you can’t turn down the volume or move far enough away from loud sounds, you can use hearing protectors to keep your hearing healthy. The best kind of hearing protectors are the ones you like and will use.

Two types of hearing protection devices—earplugs or protective earmuffs—can help prevent hearing damage. Hearing protectors limit the level of sound. They do not block out all noise. Earplugs fit directly into the ear canal, the narrow passageway between the outer ear and the middle ear. They come in disposable and reusable options and in various sizes. A parent should help young children insert earplugs and make sure they fit properly.

Protective earmuffs are easy-to-use, reusable, plastic cups that reduce noise by completely covering both ears. They come in sizes that fit most people, including infants and children. Earmuffs are easier than earplugs to wear correctly, especially for young children.

During National Protect Your Hearing Month, join Noisy Planet in spreading the word about hearing protection. Practice safe listening for yourself and for your family by taking these three simple steps:

  • Lower the volume.
  • Move away from the noise.
  • Wear hearing protectors, such as earplugs or protective earmuffs.

Share these materials on social media and with your family and community to help raise awareness of steps we can take to prevent hearing loss from loud noise:

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