CHC Audiologist Offers Tips to Protect Your Hearing this Summer
- Michele DiStefano
- Jul 18
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 29
Michele DiStefano, CHC's Director of Audiology
Summer is a season for fun—but also for protecting your hearing. At the Center for Hearing and Communication (CHC), we know that baseball games, concerts, and fireworks are summer staples—but they can also pose a serious risk to your hearing.
An estimated 40 million Americans live with noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL)—a permanent but preventable condition. As Director of Audiology at CHC, I want you to enjoy every moment of summer safely by taking proactive steps to protect your ears.
View CNN Video with DiStefano On Causes of Hearing Loss
Understanding Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) occurs when delicate hair cells in the inner ear are damaged by loud noise. While it is permanent, NIHL is completely preventable with proper precautions. Be mindful of these potentially damaging decibel levels:
Repeated exposure to noise levels over 70 dBA can cause damage over time.
Consistent exposure to noise over 85 dBA, such as loud traffic or power tools, can cause permanent harm with regular exposure.
Sudden, brief sounds over 140-190 dBA, like fireworks or gunshots, can cause immediate injury.
While a baseball game averages 70–80 dBA, know that the roar of the crowd when your favorite player hits a game-winning home run exceeds 100 dBA. Check out our Safe Listening Guide to see decibel levels for common sounds. And download the NIOSH Sound Level Meter App to help you understand how loud the noise in your environment really is.
Choosing the Right Hearing Protection
There are two main types of hearing protection: Universal and Custom.
Universal Hearing Protection
Brands like Loop, Eargasm, and 3M E-A-R plugs offer one-size-fits-most options with varying Noise Reduction Ratings (NRR). When choosing universal plugs, make sure:
They fit properly in your ear canal
The NRR is appropriate for your needs
Custom Hearing Protection
Custom plugs are made from impressions of your ears taken by an audiologist or hearing instrument specialist. They offer:
A precise fit
Your choice of NRR filters for specific environments
Preserves the full spectrum of sound frequencies
Long-term comfort and durability
At CHC, we can help you get custom hearing protection tailored to your lifestyle. Request an appointment.
What About Noise-Canceling Headphones?
While most over-ear noise-canceling headphones lack a certified NRR, some earbuds do offer it.
Isotunes, Ultracomm Aware, and AirPods Pro 2 have NRRs ranging from 20–30 dB.
AirPods Pro 2, when used with iOS 18.1 or later, feature Adaptive Transparency, reducing ambient noise above 85 dBA by about 11–15 dB (making it ideal for certain concerts and sporting events when you're not seated close to the source of loud sound).
Adaptive Mode offers 20–29 dB attenuation, while Noise Cancellation Mode can reduce sound by 25–30 dB.
For a better seal and performance, ask your audiologist about custom molds for your AirPods.
How Loud Is Too Loud?
Your iPhone, Android or smartwatch can help. Many now include real-time sound alerts that notify you when the noise in your environment exceeds safe limits. This is a wonderful tool to monitor your noise exposure and indicate the need for hearing protection. I highly recommend enabling this feature.
A good rule of thumb: If it sounds too loud, it probably is. When in doubt, be cautious—use hearing protection!
CHC Is Here to Help
Being aware of your environment and applying the tools that can help you stay safe, you can enjoy all your favorite activities of summer without compromising your hearing.
For more information or to schedule a custom earplug fitting, contact us at CHC today.
Wishing you a safe and sound-filled summer!
About the Author
Michele DiStefano, AuD, CCC-A, is Director of CHC's Shelley and Steven Einhorn Audiology Center and Berelson Hearing Technology Center. Dr. DiStefano joined CHC in 2017 with expertise in pediatric audiology honed at Beth Israel Medical Center, Clarke Schools, and New York Eye and Ear. A graduate of the audiology program at CUNY-Brooklyn College and AT Still University of Health Sciences, Dr. DiStefano sees children and adults at CHC with a focus on comprehensive diagnostic testing, fitting of amplification/FM systems, post-fitting counseling and Early Intervention.
