International Noise Awareness Day: Protect Your Hearing, Protect Your Future

Every year, International Noise Awareness Day serves as a powerful reminder of something we often take for granted: the soundscape around us. From city traffic to lawnmowers to earbuds turned up a little too high, the world is full of sounds that—over time—can permanently damage your hearing.

We’re committed to helping people hear better and live better, and that means spreading awareness about one of the most preventable types of hearing loss: noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).

What Is Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?

Noise-induced hearing loss occurs when the delicate structures in your inner ear (like the tiny hair cells in the cochlea) are damaged by prolonged exposure to loud sounds. Unlike other types of hearing loss, NIHL is 100% preventable—but once it occurs, the damage is often permanent.

You might not notice it right away, but over time, repeated exposure to harmful noise levels can:

• Make it harder to understand speech, especially in noisy environments
• Cause ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Lead to frustration, fatigue, and social withdrawal

Common Causes of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

You may be surprised to learn just how many everyday activities can put your hearing at risk. Here are some common culprits:

• Headphones and earbuds at high volumes
• Live concerts or club events
• Power tools (drills, chainsaws, lawnmowers)
• Motorcycles, snowmobiles, and loud vehicles
• Sporting events and fireworks
• Workplace environments like construction sites, factories, or airports

Any sound over 85 decibels (dB) can be dangerous over time—about as loud as a leaf blower or heavy traffic. The louder the sound, the shorter the safe exposure time.

Quick Tip: If you must shout to be heard by someone three feet away, the environment is likely too loud.

How to Protect Your Hearing

Thankfully, protecting your hearing doesn't mean avoiding fun or productivity—it just means being proactive. Here's how to reduce your risk:

1. Use Hearing Protection

• Wear earplugs or earmuffs when exposed to loud environments.
• Keep a pair of foam earplugs in your bag or car—you never know when you’ll need them!

2. Lower the Volume

• Follow the 60/60 rule for headphones: listen at 60% volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time.
• Opt for noise-canceling headphones so you're not tempted to crank the volume.

3. Create Quiet Spaces

• Give your ears regular breaks from noise throughout the day.
• Spend time in quieter areas when possible, especially after noisy events.

4. Be Mindful of Noise at Work

• If you work in a noisy setting, make sure your employer follows OSHA regulations and provides proper hearing protection.
• Schedule routine hearing checkups if your job puts you at risk.

When to Get Your Hearing Checked

If you’ve experienced any of the following, it may be time to schedule a hearing screening:

• Ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Difficulty following conversations, especially in noisy environments
• Trouble hearing high-pitched sounds
• Frequently needing to turn up the TV or ask people to repeat themselves

Our hearing care professionals are here to help. We offer free hearing screenings and personalized solutions to help you protect and preserve your hearing health.

Recognize International Noise Awareness Day With Action

On this International Noise Awareness Day, take a moment to appreciate the sounds you love—your favorite song, laughter, birdsong—and make a commitment to protect your hearing for years to come.

Whether you’re working in a noisy environment, jamming to music, or cheering at a game, your hearing matters. Let Beltone help you keep it safe.