American Hearing and Balance teaches you some information you might not have known about how you can save yourself from hearing loss.

1. 6 WAYS TO SAVE YOUR
HEARING
www.americanhearingbalance.com

2. 1.1 Billion People at Risk for Noise
Induced Hearing Loss
The World Health Organization estimates that 1.1 people are at risk for noise-induced hearing
loss from the exposure to excessive sound levels from personal audio devices and noisy
environments such as nightclubs, bars, concerts, and sporting events. An estimated 26 million
Americans already suffer from the condition.

3. How Loud is Too Loud?
Prolonged exposure to any sound louder than 85 decibels is potentially
damaging. Many of our daily activities cross this threshold:
Decibel Level
Weakest sound heard 0 dB
Normal conversation 60 dB
City traffic 85 dB
MP3 player at max volume 105 dB
Rock concert 115 dB
Police sirens 130 dB
Jet engine at 100’ 140 dB

4. Noise-Induced Hearing Loss is 100%
Preventable
Noise-induced hearing loss is 100% preventable if you make the right choices. Here are 6 ways
you can protect yourself from permanent hearing loss.

5. 1. Use Custom Earplugs
You don’t have to ditch your plans to see
your favorite musician perform live in
concert. Custom earplugs will protect your
hearing, and unlike foam earplugs, custom
earplugs contain sophisticated electronics
that reduce sound volume evenly across
frequencies so that music and speech can
be heard clearly and naturally. Custom
earplugs are also molded to the contours of
your ear for maximum comfort. Contact
your local hearing specialist for more
information.

6. 2. Maintain a Safe Distance From the
Sound Source
The inverse square law, as applied to sound,
states that as you double the distance from the
source of sound the intensity of the sound drops
by 75%. This law of physics could save your
hearing at a rock concert; instead of standing
front row next to the speaker, increase your
distance as much as possible, balancing the
benefits of a good view against a safe distance.
Image by Borb at Wikimedia Commons

7. 3. Take Rest Breaks For Your Ears
Hearing damage from exposure to loud sound is dependent on three factors:
Protective Measures
1. The sound level or intensity Custom earplugs
2. Your distance from the sound source Maintain safe distance
3. The amount of time you’re exposed to the sound Rest breaks for your ears
If you’re at a concert or in a recording studio, for
example, make sure to give your ears periodic breaks
and time to recover.

8. 4. Turn Down the Music
Follow the 60/60 rule - keep the
volume of any portable music player at
no higher that 60% of the maximum
volume for no longer than 60 minutes
per day.
Photo taken by Stahlkocher

9. 5. Buy Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Noise-cancelling headphones will
filter out loud background sounds
(like In a busy city) so that you can
enjoy your music without violating
the 60/60 rule.
Photo by Mark Kim

10. 6. Schedule Regular Hearing Exams
Since hearing loss develops slowly, it is difficult to detect. For most people, the only way to
know if hearing loss is present is to have a professional hearing test.
But you shouldn’t wait until after the damage is done to schedule an appointment; prevention
is the best medicine, and your local hearing specialist can provide personalized hearing
protection solutions so that you can avoid hearing loss altogether.