Every October, we celebrate the great American pastime – post-season baseball! October is also National Protect Your Hearing Month, a time to assess the noise around you and take steps to protect your hearing. So what do these two things have in common? More than you would think.

From baseball to football, and everything in between, cheering fans, music, and the loudspeaker can pack quite a noise punch. Depending on whether the sports venue is indoors or outdoors, noise exposure at sporting events can exceed 100 decibels. At this level, damage to your hearing is possible in just 15 minutes. And if you’re part of an enthusiastic fanbase (especially during the high stakes post-season), stadiums and ballparks can be even louder.

Whatever the outcome of the big game, you can be a winner by taking steps to protect your hearing. Noise-induced hearing loss is the only completely preventable form of hearing loss and steps you can take to protect your hearing include:

• Be aware! You can monitor the noise level around you using your smartphone and free apps, such as the NIOSH sound meter
• Wearing earplugs or earmuffs when partaking in a loud activity or in noisy surroundings
• Move away from speakers or sources of loud noise
• Ensure children have proper ear protection

If you have been exposed to loud noises, signs of hearing loss or damage may include:

• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Inability to hear conversation or understand those around you
• Turning up the television or radio
• Asking others to repeat themselves
• Problems understanding conversations in noisy places
• Muffled sounds

Take steps now protect your hearing! If you think you may be experiencing hearing loss, reach out to a licensed hearing professional to schedule a hearing evaluation and discuss options to get you back to hearing your best.