Ear protection must be worn in areas that seem too loud. This includes earplugs, industrial earmuffs or both if necessary. Even then, many vocational and recreational activities must be curtailed or eliminated because, although protection reduces the noise entering the ears, it sometimes seems insufficient to block out certain frequencies or noise intensities. The things most of us take for granted, such as driving a car, walking down the street, riding a bicycle, listening to the TV, stereo, someone speaking over a telephone or microphone, shopping, attending indoor events, dining at restaurants, taking vacations, or participating in group activities often are difficult or impossible. Many cannot use a vacuum cleaner, a hammer, a lawn mower, power tools, ride a motor boat or motorcycle.
Most jobs involve some level of noise.
In some cases, the patient may need to seek other employment or attempt to secure disability with the help of an understanding doctor. Noise exposure generally makes the condition worse and exacerbates the accompanying tinnitus.