At least 40 million Americans suffer from noise-induced hearing loss. This preventable condition is caused from consistent exposure to loud noises over time or from a quick exposure to an extremely loud high-impact noise such as a gunshot.

While this can be a debilitating condition, the good news is it can be prevented.

1. Understand when sounds are too loud, which is anything over 85 decibels.
2. Avoid these loud sounds, or if unavoidable, limit the amount of time you are exposed to them.
3. If you cannot avoid loud sounds, wear hearing protection or move away from the sounds.

• Always use hearing protection of some sort if you are going to be around loud noises.
• Avoid as many noisy places as possible.
• Keep the sound on your tv or music low.
• If you are around loud sounds, step away for a bit and take a break.
• Keep away from the source of the loud sound, such as speakers and amplifiers.
• If you have been around loud sounds, take time to allow recovery for your ears.
• Don’t put anything small into your ear, including q-tips. Putting things in your ears can easily damage them.
• Exercise to get the blood pumping in your ears.
• Make sure and have your hearing tested on occasion.