Physicians can help patients at risk for hearing loss by teaching them to avoid exposure to unwanted noise and to become judicious consumers of desired sounds. For example, physicians can recommend that patients avoid other noisy activities on the day of a rock concert. Research has shown that rest periods interspersed with an otherwise hazardous exposure can reduce auditory damage. In situations where noise cannot be eliminated, patients should be advised to wear hearing protection. The 2 most commonly used types of protection are earplugs or earmuffs.
Earplugs come in a variety of styles and sizes.
Among their advantages are their small size, low cost, and relative comfort. The other type of hearing protector is a muff that fits over the ear. Heavier and more protective than earplugs, muffs are also reusable and, when kept in good condition, can be considerably cheaper than disposable earplugs. Individuals should wear hearing protection whenever they are exposed to loud sound and remember that the most effective type of plug or muff is the one that is actually used. Most individuals will find foam earplugs the protection of choice, because they are cheap, comfortable, disposable, and readily commercially available.