Ear protection is the new sunscreen

by Daniel Fink, MD, Chair, The Quiet Coalition

Photo credit: Andrea Piacquadio

According to an article by London-based journalist Jessica Furseth in a recent issue of Slate Magazine, ear protection is the new sunscreen.

“As I’m heading out the door, I always make sure I have my keys, phone, sunglasses, and ear protection. City life is loud, and I like to have my active noise-canceling headphones for the train, as well as some more noise-filtering earplugs, which are more discreet in restaurants. I want to be able to control my sound environment — and it’s never been easier,” she writes.

Furseth describes the increased use of hearing protection, including earplugs used as glittering accessories at the Coachella music festival. A number of companies are now making earplugs designed to be fashion accessories, and the technology of active noise-canceling headphones is getting better.

Maybe society has reached the proverbial “tipping point” about noise?  It used to be acceptable to smoke anywhere, but now it isn’t. Before Mothers Against Drunk Driving, it used to be acceptable to “have one for the road” before driving home. Now it’s not.

The primary solution for noise is to reduce it at the source. This means enforcing vehicle noise limits, and turning down the volume at rock concerts and in clubs. But until that happens, people should follow Furseth’s example and protect their hearing.

If something sounds loud — whether it’s the Picadilly Line in London, a rock concert or the noise in a restaurant — it’s too loud and one’s auditory health is at risk. If one can’t turn down the volume, use hearing protection. Do this and one’s ears should last a lifetime.