Listen Safe

The world is a noisy place. At home, school, and on the job we are bombarded with noise from a variety of sources—TVs, MP3 players, lawn mowers, concerts, movies, city traffic, machinery—just to name a few.

Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to loud noises can cause noise-induced hearing loss. This is a permanent condition that can affect the way your child learns, retains information, and, ultimately, succeeds in life. Noise-induced hearing loss is a preventable condition.

Here are a few ways you can protect your family’s hearing.

• Turn down the volume! If you have to shout to be heard, it’s too loud.
• Wear earplugs at concerts, movie theatres, school dances, and noisy work places.
• Choose quiet toys for children.
• Reduce the time spent in video arcades and other noisy venues.
• Use CD/MP3 players with pre-set volume controls.

Check out SoundSense for more information on hearing loss and how to practice safe listening.

Sound Sense is a program of The Hearing Foundation of Canada.