How To Protect Your Hearing

Protect Your Hearing From Loud Noises

Hearing loss develops through repeated exposure to loud sounds before reaching an advanced age. Hearing damage becomes permanent when you expose your ears to sounds exceeding 85 decibels without wearing suitable hearing protection. Your ears face constant risks during normal daily activities, which you might not be aware of.

Your ears are exposed to dangerous noise levels during concerts and sporting events, as well as while hunting, riding ATVs, operating power tools, and listening to music through headphones. Sounds that reach above 150 dB, such as gunshots and fireworks, can cause immediate and permanent hearing damage.

The inner ear hair cells, which transmit sound signals to your brain, become permanently damaged when exposed to brief periods of extreme noise. These cells do not grow back. The damage to these cells results in permanent hearing loss because they are unable to regenerate.

How Can We Help?

Your hearing health during your teenage years and twenties will determine your potential hearing difficulties in future years. The effects of hearing loss become apparent to people during their 30s, 40s, and 60s, when age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) begins to develop.

Denver Audiology provides custom-fit hearing protection to help you maintain your hearing ability throughout your entire life. Our custom-made protection outperforms standard earplugs found in drugstores because it allows for a precise fit for your ears, enhancing both comfort and functionality. You will maintain the ability to hear essential sounds, but at noise levels that are safer for your ears.

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"Exceptional audiologists/Staff and their availability and ongoing care is the best. The entire team makes dealing with them easy and their follow up is also excellent."

- Grant A.

“Bunny is the most attentive audiologist I’ve seen. She custom-tuned every frequency of my hearing aid—and the results were amazing.”

— T. Rand Collins, MD

“Denver Audiology helped me find the right solution for my hearing needs. Their follow-up care is fast and reliable. Highly recommended.”

— Adam P.

“As a musician, I’ve trusted Denver Audiology for years. Their custom in-ear solutions are top-notch, and they genuinely care.”

— Wil S.

The Hidden Dangers of Untreated Hearing Loss

Keeping your ears protected is not just about hearing better today; it is about your long-term health. Studies have linked untreated hearing loss to serious health problems that include:

Dementia

Hearing loss may speed up brain shrinkage, especially in the areas used for memory and language.

Falls

People with mild hearing loss are nearly three times more likely to fall, and the risk grows with the severity of hearing loss.

Chronic Conditions

Hearing loss has connections to diabetes, heart disease, sickle-cell anemia, and other circulatory issues.

This means that keeping your ears healthy can also help protect your brain, maintain your balance, and improve your body's overall function.

How Loud is Too Loud?

While this question is important, the answer is pretty simple. The rule is that if you have to shout to be heard over the sound, it is likely too loud. The actual noise levels from everyday sources can be shocking. A few examples are shared here:

Lawn mowers and leaf blowers = around 85–90 dB

Busy traffic or noisy restaurants = 80–90 dB

Concerts or sporting events = 100+ dB

Gunfire or fireworks = 140–160 dB

Exposure to these sounds over time can cause lasting damage if you are not using hearing protection. The longer you are exposed, the higher your risk becomes.

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How to Protect Your Ears

To keep your ears healthy and functioning at their best, you need proper hearing protection. Hearing protection can help you enjoy your favorite activities safely and protect your hearing. There are a few smart ways to guard your ears.

First, wear custom earplugs or earmuffs if you know you will be exposed to loud sounds.

If possible, limit your time around loud environments or use volume-limiting headphones.

If you are constantly in noisy environments, take breaks in a quiet area.

If you do have ear pain, ringing, or fullness, go get checked out because these are signs of damage.

Custom hearing protection offers the best fit and highest comfort levels, especially if you work or have hobbies in loud environments. Denver Audiology can help you find the right solution for your situation.

When to Seek Help

If you have been recently exposed to loud noise and now your ears hurt or you have a noticeable hearing change, get attention immediately, as early intervention can help prevent permanent damage. We offer protective devices, hearing tests, and expert guidance at Denver Audiology. Call today to schedule your consultation or exam.

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