Recognizing and understanding the adverse effects of off-duty noise exposures is also important. Preventing noise-induced hearing loss is accomplished by reducing both the time and intensity of exposure. Reducing exposure time is accomplished by avoiding any unnecessary exposure to loud sound. Reducing intensity is usually accomplished by wearing personal hearing protection. Each person must be able to properly wear and care for the particular type of hearing protection selected.
Speech communication is difficult in high intensity noise.
However, most people don't realize it's easier to understand speech if hearing protection is worn in a hazardous noise environment. Hearing protection reduces the noise and the level of speech, resulting in a more favorable listening level. People who claim wearing hearing protection makes it difficult to hear speech are probably in noise levels less than 85 dBA or have already developed a hearing loss. Each person must know how to tell if they have been overexposed to loud sound. Overexposure may occur even while wearing hearing protection.