As the leaves begin to change, you should consider changing your hearing healthcare habits, too.

1. Hearing Loss Prevention
Tips for Fall
As the leaves begin to change, you should consider changing your hearing healthcare
habits, too. Several autumn activities in Houston can cause noise-induced hearing loss
without proper hearing protection. Texans of all ages should take extra precautions to
protect their ears from hearing loss during fun fall activities. Here are some great tips to
prevent hearing loss in Houston residents young and old.
Use Earplugs to Prevent Hearing Loss
When you are going to be exposed to loud sounds, wear earplugs to prevent hearing loss
and tinnitus. Disposable earplugs made of foam or silicone are readily available and will
allow you to hear music and conversations while blocking dangerously loud sounds.
Custom ear protection crafted from earmolds will perfectly fit the unique contours of your
ears, guaranteeing a snug, proper fit and dependable protection from hearing loss and
other auditory problems.
Limit Time in Noisy Settings
Take steps to limit the length of time you spend in loud environments. When participating
in noisy activities, make sure to give yourself periodic quiet breaks to allow your ears to
recoup and fight hearing loss.
Keep the Volume Low
When listening to music, playing video games, watching a movie at a Houston theater or
watching TV—especially through headphones or earbuds—keep the volume turned down.
If others around you can hear what you’re listening to, it’s too loud.
Leave Leaf Blowing to the Professionals
Leaf blowers become a necessity once fall is in full swing, but they represent an extreme
noise hazard and can cause hearing loss in just one use. The sound produced by some leaf
blowers at close range can cause permanent hearing loss in under 15 minutes. If you aren’t
willing to hire a professional landscaper to do the work, consider replacing older models of
leaf blowers with newer models that offer reduced decibel output. Even the quietest leaf
blowers available are likely to gradually damage your ears, so always wear quality or
custom earplugs during yard work.

2. Realize the Risks for Football Season
Throughout the greater Houston area, football fans are gearing up for another fun season.
There’s no better way to support your team than cheering wildly with fellow fans at a live
event, but there’s also no better way to permanently damage your hearing. Any sound over
85 dB should be considered potentially dangerous, and noise over 120 dB is known to
cause instant, permanent sensorineural hearing loss. Last year, Kansas City Chiefs fans set a
new record for loudest stadium at 142.2 dB—that’s louder than a gunshot, jet engine or
fireworks. Whether you’re attending a high school or college game, or you’re heading to the
Texans stadium, earplugs are essential to your hearing safety.
Talk to an Audiologist
Your Houston audiologist can help you find a solution for preventing hearing loss that fits
your lifestyle. Options for protecting your ears without compromising your performance
are available for a wide range of activities. From specialty musician’s plugs that let you hear
the notes risk-free to hunter’s plugs that enhance ambient noise while preventing hearing
loss from gunshots and explosions, a solution exists for all activities and lifestyles.
For more information, Visit:
Houstonhearingcare.com