RNID: For deaf and hard of hearing people.

Frequent exposure to loud noise at work or at play can damage your hearing forever. Everyone can experience potentially harmful noise levels on a daily basis. Here are some important do's and don'ts for protecting your hearing:

  • Don't poke anything in your ears - this includes cotton wool buds and fingers.
  • Don't use eardrops unless your GP or a specialist has prescribed them.
  • Do wear protectors if regularly exposed to loud noises at work or at play.
  • If you have any problems with your ears, do ask your doctor for advice.  Untreated infections can cause irreparable damage.
  • Don't spend long periods in places with loud music.
  • Do wear earplugs at gigs and discos. If you work in the music industry, you can get special musicians' earplugs that cut down the intensity but don't make the music sound muffled.
  • Don't turn the volume of your personal music player right up in noisy places (like trains or the underground). Try using earphones that block more outside noise instead. 
  • If you are worried about noise levels at work, do talk to your personnel department, health and safety representative or manager.

More information

Find out more about your employer's responsibilities.

If you are losing your hearing you can get free hearing aids from the NHS. You can also get useful equipment free from social services or buy products from our online shop.