Prevention of NIHL

Can NIHL be prevented?

Noise-induced hearing loss is preventable. All individuals should understand the hazards of noise and how to practice good health in everyday life.

• Know which noises can cause damage (those above 75 decibels)
• Wear ear plugs or other hearing protective devices when involved in a loud activity (special  earplugs and ear muffs are available at hardware stores and sporting good stores)
• Be alert to hazardous noise in the environment
• Protect children who are too young to protect themselves
• Make family, friends and colleagues aware of the hazards of noise.
• Have a medical examination by an otolaryngologist, a physician who specializes in diseasesof the ears, nose, throat, head and neck, and a hearing test by an audiologist, a health professional trained to identify and measure hearing loss and to rehabilitate persons with hearing impairments.