Tips for Protecting Your Hearing This Fall

The leaves are changing, which means it’s time to get back to enjoying your favorite fall pastimes! Follow our tips below to ensure you are protecting your hearing health during every activity.

Listen at a Safe Volume

Like listening to music, audiobooks or the radio on your way to the pumpkin patch or apple orchard? Be sure to listen at a safe volume. We recommend following the 60/60 rule: Listen at no more than 60% of your device’s maximum volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time.

Leave Leaf Blowing to the Professionals

Leaf blowers can create noise ranging from 95 to 115 decibels—well past the threshold that is considered safe. We recommend hiring a professional to take care of your leaf piles. If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, invest in a leaf blower with a low decibel output and always wear hearing protection.

Realize the Risks of Football Season

When watching your favorite football team play on TV, set the volume at a reasonable level so you can still enjoy a conversation over the audio. If you’re lucky enough to score tickets, pack a pair of earplugs to bring to the stadium.

Take Breaks from Talking on the Phone

You may love chatting with your friends on the phone on a lovely fall evening, but excessive phone use can put your hearing at risk. Try to keep conversations brief and alternate the phone between your left and right ears to minimize the risk of developing single-sided hearing loss.

Invest in Hearing Protection

No matter what noisy activities you enjoy, Fort HealthCare Audiology can help keep your ears safe. We offer custom hearing protection for maximum comfort and safety. Schedule an appointment with Fort HealthCare Audiology at 920.563.6667 in Fort Atkinson or 262.473.8920 in Whitewater to discuss your options.