Hearing Safety: Protecting Yourself from Long-term Hearing Loss
June 22, 2026 | Tags:
Have you ever attended a concert, sports game or fireworks show and your ears were still ringing hours later? Did you know this is a sign of possible hearing damage? Noise is around us all the time, but exposure to loud noises is one of the most common reasons for hearing loss, a struggle that affects over 48 million people in the U.S.
Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) can happen to people of all ages, including children. While the damage is permanent, it can be prevented. As you enjoy summer events where loud noises are common, remember that it is never too late to start protecting your hearing.
What is hearing loss?
Your ear is made up of three parts: the outer, middle and inner ear. Sound waves pass through the outer ear and cause your eardrum to vibrate. These vibrations then pass through the inner ear, where millions of tiny fibers are attached to nerve cells.
These cells change the vibrations into electrical signals that travel to your brain, which turns the signals into sound. Loud noise can permanently damage these fibers, resulting in hearing loss.
What causes hearing damage?
Hearing loss usually develops gradually as we age, but exposure to loud noise can worsen the damage and lead to extensive or complete hearing loss. Sound is measured in decibels (dB). The higher the dB number, the greater the risk of damaging your hearing. Noises with a low dB range, like whispers or the humming of a refrigerator, are safe and won’t cause damage. Noises with a high dB range, like sirens, are more harmful, especially at close range.
During the summer, you may enjoy activities that involve loud noises, such as:
- Watching or being around fireworks or firecrackers.
- Cheering at a sports event.
- Attending an air, car or motorcycle show.
- Listening to music at a concert.
Most people don’t notice the warning signs of hearing damage, like pain or ringing in the ears (called tinnitus), until hearing damage has already occurred.
What are the symptoms of hearing loss?
What are the symptoms of hearing loss?
Your ears don’t get used to loud noises. If you notice they don’t bother you as much as they used to, it may be a sign that you’ve likely already experienced some degree of hearing loss. Some symptoms of NIHL include:
- Tinnitus (can be ringing, buzzing or hissing sounds).
- Needing to increase volume on television, radio or phone calls.
- Trouble understanding words, especially in crowded or noisy environments.
- Difficulty hearing similar sounds in speech, like the difference between s and f.
- Muffled speech or other sounds.
- Needing people to speak more slowly, clearly and loudly.
- Asking people to repeat themselves.
Ways to protect yourself from hearing loss
The good news is you can protect your hearing and still enjoy the activities you love. Take the following steps to protect yourself, loved ones and children from NIHL:
- Limit your exposure: Turn down the volume when listening to music, podcasts, television or the radio, especially if you’re using headphones or earbuds. Even a few minutes of loud sound can cause damage.
- Create distance from noise source: Take breaks and walk away from noisy areas or, if possible, stay away completely. Keep your distance from noise sources, like speakers at a concert. Leave if you experience pain or tinnitus.
- Use hearing protection: Wear insert-type earplugs, earmuffs or specially made devices to cut down noise and help protect hearing. Choose disposable earplugs labeled NRR (Noise Reduction Rating) of at least 10 dB and check packaging for product lifespan.
A good rule of thumb to check the noise level in your environment: if you need to raise your voice to talk to someone three feet away, it’s too loud.
Talk to your provider about protecting your hearing
Check with your primary care provider (PCP) if you’re experiencing symptoms that might indicate hearing loss. Even if your hearing is damaged, you can still take steps to prevent further loss.
MedMutual Advantage® members have access to TruHearing® for special savings on high-quality prescription hearing aids. Your hearing benefit covers a $0 routine hearing exam and up to two hearing aids per year with low copays. Call TruHearing at 1-833-455-8795 (TTY 711) to schedule an appointment or visit TruHearing.com/How-it-Works. You can also screen your hearing online at TruHearing.com/MedMutual-HS.
Medical Mutual can help you find a PCP. Use our provider search tool at MedMutual.com/FindAProvider or call the Customer Care phone number listed on your member ID card to speak to a representative.