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Protect Your Hearing

Your hearing is precious – once it’s damaged, it cannot be fully restored. Everyday activities such as listening to loud music, working in noisy environments, or even attending concerts can put your hearing at risk if the right precautions aren’t taken.

Noise-induced hearing loss is one of the most common yet preventable forms of hearing loss. By being mindful of the sounds around you and taking simple steps to reduce exposure, you can protect your ears and maintain good hearing health for years to come.

From using ear protection in loud settings to giving your ears time to rest, small actions can make a big difference. At Sussex Audiology Centre, we’re here to provide advice and solutions to help you safeguard your hearing for the future.

What is Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) occurs when the delicate structures of the inner ear are damaged by exposure to loud sounds. This may happen suddenly due to a powerful impulse noise such as a gunshot or explosion, or gradually over time from prolonged exposure to high levels of noise – for example, in the workplace, at concerts, or from loud music.

  • Immediate or gradual: NIHL can develop instantly after a very loud sound, or slowly after repeated exposure to unsafe noise levels.
  • A common problem: Millions of people worldwide live with noise-induced hearing loss, even though it is entirely preventable.
  • Safe vs. harmful levels: Sounds below 75 decibels (dB) are generally safe, but regular exposure to noise at 85 dB or above can cause permanent hearing damage.

The good news is that noise-induced hearing loss is preventable. By protecting your ears and being mindful of sound levels, you can reduce your risk and maintain healthy hearing throughout life.

Protect Your Hearing
Protect Your Hearing Image
Protecting Hearing from Loud Noises

Preventing Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Fortunately, noise-induced hearing loss is preventable. By understanding the risks and taking simple precautions, you can protect your ears and reduce the chance of permanent damage.

1. Know what sounds are too loud

Sounds above 85 decibels (dB) can be harmful with prolonged exposure. Everyday examples include concerts, power tools, and some workplace environments.

2. Limit or avoid exposure

Reduce the time you spend in noisy environments or move a safe distance away from loud sound sources whenever possible.

3. Use hearing protection

When you can’t avoid loud sounds, wear earplugs or earmuffs designed to reduce harmful noise levels while still allowing you to hear safely.

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10 Tips to Protect Your Hearing

Protecting your hearing doesn’t have to be complicated – small, simple steps can make a big difference. Here are ten practical ways to reduce your risk of hearing damage:

  • Use hearing protection: Foam earplugs or custom earplugs are effective for concerts, noisy workplaces, or loud hobbies.
  • Turn it down: Keep the volume at safe levels on TVs, radios, and personal music devices.
  • Avoid noisy environments: Choose quieter spaces whenever possible and limit exposure to very loud activities.
  • Limit listening time: Take breaks when using headphones or attending loud events to give your ears rest.
  • Step back from speakers: Increase your distance from the loudest sound sources, such as fireworks or PA systems.
  • Give your ears recovery time: Allow your hearing to rest after being exposed to loud sounds.
  • Avoid putting objects in your ear: Never use cotton buds, pins, or other items that can cause damage.
  • Stay active: Exercise supports healthy blood flow, including to the inner ear, which helps maintain hearing health.
  • Be mindful at the gym: Loud fitness classes or music can be risky – consider using earplugs designed for exercise.
  • Get your hearing tested: If you notice ringing, fullness, or changes in your hearing lasting more than 24 hours, book a hearing test.
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Tips to Protect Hearing
Protecting Hearing from Loud Noises

Book an Appointment

If you're regularly exposed to loud noise—whether at work, during hobbies, or at events—custom hearing protection can help safeguard your hearing for the long term.

At Sussex Audiology Centre, we offer professionally fitted Serenity Choice + custom hearing protection tailored to your ears and lifestyle. Custom earplugs provide a comfortable, secure fit and effective noise reduction without compromising sound quality.

Whether you're a musician, work in a noisy environment, or simply want to protect your hearing at concerts and sporting events, we can help you find the right solution.

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Over-the-Counter Hearing Protection

Over-the-Counter Hearing Protection

If you're looking for immediate, affordable hearing protection without a custom fitting, over-the-counter options can be an excellent choice for everyday use.

Our partners at Clarity Sound Solutions offer a range of ready-to-wear Serenity Choice hearing protection products suitable for various activities—from concerts and festivals to DIY projects and sleeping.

Serenity Choice Hearing Protection

Browse their Active Lifestyles collection to find comfortable, effective earplugs that fit your needs and protect your hearing on the go.

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Serenity Choice Products

Understanding Hearing Loss

How We Can Help

At Sussex Audiology Centre, we offer a complete range of hearing care services designed to support you every step of the way – from diagnosis to treatment and ongoing aftercare. Whether you're struggling with hearing loss, concerned about a loved one, or simply looking for reassurance, our experienced team is here to help.

0330 3203 413
Pure Tone Audiometry Image
Pure Tone Audiometry Image
Pure Tone Audiometry Image

Our clinics

At Sussex Audiology Centre, we are proud to be the only local company using ENT grade wall mounted microscopes offering superior vision over Head Loupes or iPhone systems. All of our clinics are fitted with high quality, quiet Microsuction Pumps. Our Audiologists will undertake a thorough patient history, perform HD video Otoscopy and offer a complimentary hearing test after the procedure.

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“I’d like to start by thanking Rosanne for her expertise and service over the
years – the best hearing aids in the world are nothing without an expert
audiologist on hand to manage them.
December ‘24, I decided to upgrade my aids to Phonak Audéo I90-Sphere,
and the experience has been both amazing and quite emotional.
I am now able hear speech far more clearly, even in very noisy situations, as
never before – the “Spheric” program is unbelievably good. Birdsong is a joy,
and I can enjoy my music again but crucially, I am far more enthusiastic
about attending social occasions, family gatherings, meetings, the cinema
etc.
I’ve had them six months now and I’m still absolutely delighted. Many
thanks to Rosanne and Sussex Audiology Centre.”

Roy Groom

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“I was nervous about getting a hearing test, but the audiologists made me feel at ease. The results were explained clearly, and I felt well cared for.”

David L, Crawley

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“Lovely and friendly. Helped me amazingly remove my wax buildup comfortably. And offered to clean my other ear free of charge as it was only ever so slightly blocked. Highly recommend visiting here for your ear troubles.”

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