Did you know that about one-third of hearing loss is preventable? Hearing loss and tinnitus (which can be ringing, buzzing or other sounds) caused by exposure to loud noise can be prevented by limiting volume on personal devices and wearing hearing protection. 

Limit volume on personal devices 

When using earbuds or headphones for listening, follow the 60/60 rule: listen for up to 60 continuous minutes at 60% volume. 

Wear hearing protection 

There are many types of ear plugs and hearing protection available from drug stores, home improvement stores and online retailers. If you wear hearing aids, you can wear ear muff-style hearing protection over your hearing aids, or look for hearing protection with built-in amplification. 

Wear hearing protection when you: 

• Listen to loud music 
• Ride a motorcycle, ATV or snowmobile 
• Attend a concert Go to a sports event 
• Use power tools 
• Mow the lawn 
• Use kitchen appliances 
• Run a snow or leaf blower 
• Go to the movies 
• Watch fireworks 

Using hearing protection not only helps you protect your hearing, it also helps prevent tinnitus. For more details, please see our fact sheet Preventing noise-induced hearing loss.

If you would you like to learn more about preventing noise-induced hearing loss, please contact us.