Test yourself: Should I get a hearing test?
Answer the 4 questions below to see if you should consider getting a hearing test.
Preventing hearing loss
While it can be easy to take your hearing for granted, it is one of your most valuable senses. Being able to hear clearly makes it possible for you to communicate, build relationships and unite with your friends and loved ones. Learn what you can do to protect this precious sense.
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3 simple rules to prevent hearing loss
While age-related hearing loss cannot be prevented, noise-induced hearing loss is preventable.
There are a few simple rules you can follow to protect your hearing health as much as possible, regardless of your age.
1. Protect your ears
If you must be in noisy environments, wear ear protection – no matter if you are home, at work, or at a concert.
2. Follow the 60/60 rule
When you listen to music, do not exceed 60% of your device’s maximum volume for more than 60 minutes a day.
3. Take a break
Take regular breaks when attending concerts or festivals where the sound levels are much higher than normal.
Question 1 – Around the table
Do you have trouble following conversations, when there are 4 or more people present?
Question 2 – Family and friends
Have you received advice from your family or friends to get your hearing tested?
Question 3 – Understand what others say
Do you ever struggle to understand what others are saying because you cannot hear properly?
Question 4 – TV or radio
Do you find yourself turning up the TV or radio even when the volume is loud enough for others?
Your Result:
A hearing test is relevant for you
Your answers indicate that you experience symptoms of hearing loss. We strongly recommend booking a hearing test in one of our clinics.
The result is an indication. An in-person hearing test can determine if you have a hearing loss.
Book your free hearing test:
Your Result:
A hearing test seems relevant for you
Your answers indicate that you experience some symptoms of hearing loss. We recommend booking a hearing test in one of our clinics.
The result is an indication. An in-person hearing test can determine if you have a hearing loss.
Book your free hearing test:
Your Result:
It cannot be determined here if a hearing test is relevant for you
Your answers do not indicate that you experience symptoms of hearing loss. However, if you experience trouble hearing, we recommend booking a hearing test in one of our clinics.
The result is an indication. An in-person hearing test can determine if you have a hearing loss.
Book your free hearing test:
How loud is too loud?
Sounds are considered harmful when they exceed 85 dB, which is similar to the loudness of heavy traffic. Sound levels can soar to harmful levels in our everyday lives more often than you might think. Here are some noise comparisons for reference to help you limit your exposure to loud noises and thereby prevent hearing loss:
- Normal conversation: 60 dB
- Busy street: 75-85 dB
- Lawn mower: 90 dB
- Chainsaw: 100-120 dB
- Heavy truck at seven meters' distance: 100 dB
- Loud music playing on a smartphone: 112 dB
- Loud car horn: 110 dB
- Rock concert: 120 dB
- Ambulance siren: 120 dB
- Jet engine: 140 dB
How to prevent hearing loss from getting worse
Do you suspect that you already have some degree of hearing loss?
It is important to seek help as soon as possible since untreated hearing loss can deteriorate over time. We recommend that you book a free hearing test when you recognize the early signs in order to reduce the risks of untreated hearing loss.
When to seek help
Protect your hearing in loud environments
You can protect your hearing by limiting your exposure to loud sound environments - or by wearing hearing protection (such as ear plugs or earmuffs) when you know you'll be exposed to loud sounds.
1. Loud background noise
Any environment where you need to shout to make yourself heard over background noise
2. Industrial noise
An environment where the noise hurts your ears or makes them ring
3. Live music
Concerts or festivals where the sound levels are much higher than normal
Loud noise and tinnitus
The most common cause of tinnitus is due to loud noise that damages the sensory hair cells in the cochlea (a shell-like organ in the inner ear where sounds are converted into electrical signals). Damage to the hair cells in our ear can cause both tinnitus and hearing loss.
In fact, more than 80% of people with tinnitus also experience some degree of hearing loss, but many tinnitus sufferers are not aware that their hearing is suffering too.
FAQ
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1. Wear hearing protection when exposed to loud noises. This includes using earplugs or earmuffs when attending concerts, using power tools, or working in a noisy environment.
10. Wear earplugs when swimming. Water can damage your hearing if it gets into your ears.No text in field]
2. Have your hearing checked regularly. Regular hearing tests can help detect any hearing loss early and allow you to take steps to prevent further damage.
3. Avoid exposure to loud noises. If you can’t avoid loud noises, try to limit your exposure to them.
4. Quit smoking. Smoking can increase your risk of hearing loss.
5. Exercise regularly. Exercise can help improve circulation, which can help protect your hearing.
6. Eat a healthy diet. Eating a healthy diet can help protect your hearing by providing your body with the nutrients it needs to stay healthy.
7. Reduce stress. Stress can have a negative impact on your hearing.
8. Get enough sleep. Sleep helps your body to repair itself, which can help protect your hearing.
9. Avoid using headphones at high volumes. Listening to music at high volumes can damage your hearing.
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1. Wear earplugs: Wearing earplugs is one of the best ways to protect your hearing at concerts. Earplugs can reduce the volume of the music without sacrificing sound quality.
2. Take breaks: Taking breaks from the loud music can help reduce the risk of hearing loss. Step away from the speakers for a few minutes and give your ears a break.
3. Move away from the speakers: If you’re standing too close to the speakers, the sound will be louder and more damaging to your hearing. Try to stand at least 10 feet away from the speakers.
4. Limit your exposure: Try to limit the amount of time you spend at concerts. The longer you’re exposed to loud music, the greater the risk of hearing loss.
5. Wear headphones: If you’re listening to music at a concert, wear headphones instead of speakers. This will help reduce the volume and protect your hearing. -
1. Wear hearing protection: Wearing hearing protection such as earplugs or earmuffs can help reduce the amount of noise that reaches your ears.
2. Take regular breaks: Taking regular breaks from loud noise can help reduce the risk of hearing loss.
3. Limit exposure time: Limiting the amount of time you are exposed to loud noise can help reduce the risk of hearing loss.
4. Move away from the noise: Moving away from the source of the noise can help reduce the amount of noise that reaches your ears.
5. Use noise-cancelling headphones: Using noise-cancelling headphones can help reduce the amount of noise that reaches your ears.
6. Invest in soundproofing: Investing in soundproofing materials such as acoustic foam can help reduce the amount of noise that reaches your ears.
7. Speak up: If you feel that the noise levels in your workplace are too loud, speak up and let your employer know. -
1. Wear hearing protection: Wearing earplugs or earmuffs when exposed to loud noises can help prevent further hearing loss.
2. Avoid loud noises: Avoiding loud noises, such as concerts, sporting events, and other loud activities, can help prevent further hearing loss.
3. Get regular hearing tests: Regular hearing tests can help detect any changes in your hearing and allow you to take steps to prevent further hearing loss.
4. Quit smoking: Smoking can increase the risk of hearing loss, so quitting can help prevent further hearing loss.
5. Eat a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet rich in antioxidants can help protect your hearing and prevent further hearing loss.
6. Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help improve circulation and reduce the risk of hearing loss.
7. Reduce stress: Stress can increase the risk of hearing loss, so reducing stress can help prevent further hearing loss. -
1. Limit the volume: Listening to music at a high volume can cause permanent hearing loss. To prevent this, keep the volume of your headphones at a moderate level.
2. Take breaks: Listening to music for long periods of time can also cause hearing loss. To prevent this, take regular breaks from listening to music.
3. Wear earplugs: Wearing earplugs can help reduce the amount of sound that reaches your ears. This can help protect your hearing from damage.
4. Use noise-cancelling headphones: Noise-cancelling headphones can help reduce the amount of sound that reaches your ears. This can help protect your hearing from damage.
5. Get your hearing checked: If you think you may have hearing loss, it is important to get your hearing checked by a professional. This can help you determine the best course of action to protect your hearing.