Certain noise sources may be loud enough to permanently damage your hearing. Noise levels exceeding 85 decibels are considered harmful. The louder the noise, the faster damage can occur. Consider wearing hearing protection when encountering these decibel levels:

• Snowmobile — 85-110
• Lawn mower — 90-105
• Table, chain saws — 100
• Snowblower — 110
• Live rock music — 90-130
• Gun — 140

In general, if a noise is so loud that you have to shout to be heard, you need hearing protection. Most drug, hardware and sporting goods stores carry hearing-protection devices. There are two types:

• Earplugs (which fit into your ear)
• Ear muffs (which cover your entire outer ear)

Both are relatively inexpensive. Read and follow the instructions for use. The decibel-reduction rating is listed on the box (usually, the higher the rating, the greater the protection). There are things you shouldn't do to try to protect your hearing.

• Don't use cotton. It doesn't adequately reduce
  noise and may become lodged in your ear canal.
• Don't turn up headphone volume to drown out noise.
• Don't forget that children need hearing
  protection, too.
• Give your ears a rest by alternating noisy
  activities with quiet ones.