What You Can Do to Prevent NIHL
• Set the volume limit on your iPod to 70% of total volume or less.
• Be aware of what sounds can cause damage. (Sounds over 85 decibels)
• Wear earplugs when involved in a loud activity.
• Be aware of hazardous noise in your environment.
• If you think you have a hearing loss, see your doctor.
He or she may refer you to an otolaryngologist, or a physician who specializes in diseases of the ears, nose, and throat, or to an audiologist, who will perform a hearing test to assess the type and degree of loss. (National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, 2006)
Give Yourself Hearing Downtime
"Downtime" is giving your ears time to rest from loud sounds like concerts or other loud activities. The ideal rest period is 24-48 hours, but at the very least 12 hours is required to prevent Noise Induced Hearing Loss by giving your ears a chance to recuperate with sounds lower than 85 decibels.
Remember, your ears need a break to recover from loud sounds.
