Protect your ears from loud sound
Lower volume, shorter exposure and well fitted ear protection help prevent permanent hearing damage.
The number, drawn
Repeated exposure at 85 dBA or above can damage hearing
Why it matters
Loud sound can damage inner ear hair cells that do not grow back. NIH guidance says long or repeated exposure at or above 85 dBA can cause hearing loss. Louder sounds can cause damage more quickly, so the sound level and time both matter.
How to do it
- Lower headphone and speaker volume before it feels uncomfortable.
- Carry earplugs for concerts, power tools and other loud settings.
- Fit earplugs or protective earmuffs correctly and wear them throughout the exposure.
- Move farther from speakers or machinery and take breaks in a quieter place.
Ask a hearing professional about persistent ringing or trouble hearing, and about protection suitable for your noise exposure.
Do it
Pick the time you have. Anything beats nothing.
Start with the time you have
1 minute
Notice the sound around you; if it is loud, move farther away if safe, or ask for the volume to be lowered.
5 minutes
Read the hearing protection guide and choose protection for your next noisy activity; keep it with what you will take.
15 minutes
If you have ear protection, practise fitting it in a quiet place using the instructions; do not force painful plugs, and check that earmuffs seal around both ears.
A plan
Protect your next noisy outing
- Identify the noisy activity and reduce volume or increase distance where possible.
- Choose comfortable hearing protection and practise fitting it correctly.
- Wear it throughout exposure and take breaks somewhere quiet.
- Ask a hearing professional about persistent ringing or trouble hearing.
In real life
- Stand farther from concert speakers and take breaks in a quieter place.
- Use protective earmuffs or earplugs for lawn mowing or other noisy tools.
Watch out for
- Common mistakeEarplugs only work well when fitted correctly, so practise with the instructions before a noisy event.
- Common mistakeRemoving protection to talk exposes your ears again, so move somewhere quiet for the conversation.
Trusted guides
Check usSources
- Evidence grade
- A Meta-analyses of randomised trials, or a major guideline consensus.
- Basis
- NIH guidance based on established noise exposure and hearing damage evidence
- The number
- Repeated exposure at 85 dBA or above can damage hearing (NIH NIDCD, 2025)
- Tier 1 guidelineNoise Induced Hearing LossNIH NIDCD, 2025
- Tier 1 guidelineHearing ProtectorsNIH NIDCD, 2025
General health information, not a diagnosis or an individual treatment plan. Personalization changes the order of suggestions; it does not assess your medical risks. Follow the cautions and consult a qualified clinician when needed.