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Protecting Your Hearing
What Is Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss can be caused by a number of factors, including the ageing process
and noise exposure. Hearing loss caused by exposure to loud sound is called
noise-induced hearing loss or is sometimes referred to as ‘industrial deafness’.
Exposure to loud sounds is the single most significant cause of hearing loss in
Australia (Australian Hearing, 2013).
As people get older, many find that their hearing loss can be attributed to both
the ageing process as well as to exposure to noise over their lifetime. However,
noise damage can occur at any age and in any location – in the workplace,
socially or around the house. Common sources of noise at home include power
tools, lawnmowers and hairdryers.
How Does Damage Occur?
Noise damage depends on a range of factors including how loud the noise is,
how long you are exposed to the noise for and how far you are from the source
of the noise.
Noise Damage Is Preventable
Once it has occurred, damage to your hearing from exposure to loud noise is
permanent and irreversible. However, unlike age-related hearing loss, noiseinduced hearing loss is preventable and avoidable if you use the right
strategies. Even if you’ve never protected your ears from loud noise before, if
you’re still exposed to noise you can prevent any further noise-induced hearing
loss by starting to wear hearing protection today.
Tips To Protect Your Hearing
 Always wear the right type of hearing protection for your situation.
Discuss your needs with your Hearing Service Provider (refer fact sheet
Choosing a Hearing Service Provider), prior to purchasing ear plugs or
ear muffs.
 Take regular listening breaks away from noise to give your ears a
chance to rest and reduce your exposure time. Even short breaks
are better than nothing.
 Turn down the volume. Even a small reduction can make a big
difference over time.
 Don’t be tempted to turn up the volume on your headphones to
overcome background noise. Your ears adjust to this increase in
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volume and over the course of the day you can find yourself
continually turning up the volume. Commit to leaving the volume
on the same setting throughout the day. Consider purchasing a good
quality pair of noise cancelling or noise isolating headphones if you
listen to music or fly regularly. These help you to listen to music at
the same level without needing to turn up the volume to overcome
background noise.
 Put as much distance as you can between yourself and the source of the
noise. The closer you are to the sound source, the more damage is likely
to occur.
Hearing Protection
The two main types of hearing protection available are ear muffs and ear plugs.
These offer varying levels of hearing protection depending on your needs. Ear
plugs are available for a range of purposes and may be disposable for single use
or custom-made for your own ears.
Not all types of hearing protection are equal. Different types of hearing
protection each come with advantages and disadvantages including cost,
comfort and attenuation levels (how much they reduce noise levels). To make
sure you are using the right type of protection for your situation, it’s important
you discuss your needs with your Hearing Services Provider – refer fact sheet
Signs of Hearing Loss and Taking Action.
Inserting Foam Ear Plugs
 Before starting, ensure your hands are clean and that the plugs are the
right size and protection level for your needs. Ask your hearing service
provider for advice.
 Using your fingertips, firmly roll the plug into a thin cylinder like a
snake.
 Pull your ear out and up with your free hand. Gently push the plug into
your ear canal – most of the plug should be inside your canal. Hold it
there until it expands, then release your ear.
 To test the fit, press your palms over your ears. The background noise
level should sound similar whether or not your ears are covered.
 Remember to remove and reinsert the plugs if they become loose. Always
twist then remove plugs slowly to prevent damage to your ear.
Regular Hearing Checks Are Important
 Getting your hearing checked is important for everyone, whether you
spend a lot of time around noise or not. A short hearing check every one
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to two years will help you understand your current hearing levels and
help you monitor any changes in your hearing over time.
Guide Dogs Hearing Services
Guide Dogs Hearing Services provides assistance and support to any adult who
has a hearing impairment or who has both a vision and hearing loss. We
provide a range of individual services, group training programs, products and
advice.
Appointments
are
necessary.
To
contact
us,
email
[email protected] or telephone (08) 8203 8394.
This information is for educational and communication purposes only and
should not be construed as personal medical advice. If you have any further
questions, please contact us or consult your health professional.
IS614 IS614 v2.0 Publish date: 24 August 2016
© 2014 Guide Dogs SA/NT
Uncontrolled
when printed
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