Everyday Hearing Protection: 5 Tips You Can Start Today

Your hearing is one of your most important senses. It helps you connect with loved ones, enjoy the sounds of the world, and stay aware of your surroundings. While many people think about protecting their hearing only in loud workplaces or at concerts, it’s important to be mindful of everyday activities that can affect your hearing health too.

1. Be Aware of Loud Noise Levels

Sounds become harmful when they’re loud or long in duration. If you find yourself needing to raise your voice to be heard by someone just a few feet away, that environment may be loud enough to risk hearing damage. In general, sounds above about 85 decibels, like a lawnmower or power tools, can cause damage over time.

2. Use Hearing Protection During Noisy Activities 

Whenever you expect to be around loud noises—such as using power tools, mowing the lawn, attending events, or working with machinery—make wearing hearing protection a habit. Earplugs and earmuffs can significantly reduce the sound that reaches your ears. For frequent or prolonged noise exposure, talk to your audiologist about custom‑fit protection that’s more comfortable and effective.

3. Keep Volume in Check on Headphones

Listening to music or videos with headphones is common, but prolonged exposure to high volumes can lead to hearing damage over time. A good rule of thumb is to keep the volume at a level where people nearby can still have a normal conversation. Many experts recommend keeping devices at no more than 60% of maximum volume and taking regular breaks from headphone use. Modern smartphones also include built-in features to help protect your hearing. For example, on iPhones, the Health app can track headphone audio exposure over time, allowing you to monitor and manage your daily sound levels.

4. Avoid Harmful Practices Like Ear Candling or Inserting Objects

Your ears naturally produce earwax, which serves as a protective barrier. Avoid inserting cotton swabs or other objects into the ear canal; this can push wax deeper, cause injury, or lead to infections–all of which can affect your hearing. If you feel you have excessive wax buildup, see a hearing professional rather than attempting removal at home.

5. Schedule Regular Hearing Check-Ups

Hearing loss often develops gradually, and you may not notice changes at first. Regular hearing assessments can help detect early signs, allowing you to take steps to protect the hearing you still have. Early detection also provides more options for effectively managing hearing loss. If you haven’t had your hearing tested before, we recommend establishing a baseline with a comprehensive assessment.

Protecting your hearing doesn’t have to be complicated; small everyday actions can make a big difference. Whether you’re mowing the lawn, tuning into your favourite music, or chatting with friends, being mindful of sound exposure helps preserve your hearing for years to come.

If you have concerns about your hearing or want personalized advice on protection and care, please contact Toronto Hearing Health to book your assessment and experience a more complete approach to hearing wellness.