Early Signs of Hearing Loss: Catch Them Before It’s Too Late
Imagine sitting at your favourite café. Background music plays, plates clatter, conversations buzz around you. Your friend is speaking, but you have to lean in—again. You’re catching every third word. This frustrating experience might not just be about noise. It could be one of the early signs of hearing loss.
These signs often go unnoticed, but catching them early can prevent long-term damage and help preserve your connection to the people and sounds you love.
What Are Decibels—and Why They Matter
Sound is measured in decibels (dB), which indicate the intensity or loudness of a sound. It’s a logarithmic scale, meaning every increase of 10 dB represents a sound that is 10 times more powerful.
Here are some familiar sound levels:
- 30 dB – Whisper
- 50 dB – Normal conversation
- 70 dB – Traffic inside a car
- 85 dB – Lawnmower (borderline safe)
- 100 dB – Chainsaw, nightclub, or hockey arena
- 120–140 dB – Sirens or gunfire (damage possible within seconds)
How Long Is Too Long? Safe Noise Exposure Limits
According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) and NIOSH:
- 82 dBA – Safe for 10 hours
- 85 dBA – Up to 8 hours
- 88 dBA – Only 4 hours
- 91 dBA – Down to 2 hours
- 100 dBA – Limit of 15 minutes
- 115 dBA and above – No safe exposure without hearing protection
Recognizing Hearing Loss Symptoms in Adults
You might be experiencing hearing loss if you:
- Struggle to hear in crowded places
- Have trouble understanding phone conversations
- Often ask people to repeat themselves
- Think others are mumbling
- Miss alarms, doorbells, or phone notifications
- Turn the TV louder than others prefer
Signs of Hearing Trouble in Children
Early detection in children is vital. Watch for:
- Not reacting to loud noises
- Delayed or unclear speech
- Often saying “What?” or not responding
- Falling behind in school due to listening challenges
What to Do If You Suspect Early Signs of Hearing Loss
1. Take an app-based hearing test – Quick and convenient, it’s a great starting point.
2. Schedule a professional hearing test – A certified audiologist can provide accurate diagnosis and treatment options.
3. Protect your ears – Use hearing protection in noisy environments and follow safe listening practices.
4. Make hearing checks routine – Like vision and dental care, hearing deserves regular monitoring.
Why This Matters
Hearing loss isn’t just about sound—it’s about connection, safety, and quality of life. Missing a laugh, a warning shout, or a loved one’s voice can disconnect you from the world around you.
Final Thoughts
If you’re noticing changes—or know someone who is—don’t ignore them. The early signs of hearing loss are your opportunity to act before permanent damage occurs.
Your hearing matters. Protect it—at work, at home, and everywhere in between.
Optional Discussion Questions
These are designed to spark meaningful conversation in safety meetings, toolbox talks, or training sessions. They aim to connect the topic to real-world experiences and behaviors:
1. Have you ever found yourself asking people to repeat themselves more often—especially in noisy places?
Follow-up: Did you think it might be a hearing issue at the time?
2. What’s the loudest environment you’ve worked or played in recently?
Follow-up: Did you use any hearing protection? Why or why not?
3. Think about the last time you used earbuds or headphones—how loud was the volume?
Follow-up: Would you know if it was over 85 dB?
4. How would untreated hearing loss affect your ability to do your job—or enjoy your personal life?
Follow-up: What signs might you look for in yourself or others?
5. What’s one simple thing you could do this week to protect your hearing—at work or at home?
6. If you had to check your hearing today, how would you do it?
Follow-up: Do you know where to go, or what apps/tools are reliable?
