During this National Protect Your Hearing Month, we’ve talked a lot about how noise exposure can put you at risk for hearing damage. After all, noise can come from anywhere—live events, restaurants, personal listening devices, hunting trips, power tools, etc. And high levels of noise can be especially harmful, whether it’s a single extreme sound, like a firecracker, or repeated loud sounds over time, like nightly TV at a high volume.
But fear not—awareness is the first step in helping you protect your hearing from hearing loss. And thankfully, it’s now easier than ever to find out if noise levels around you are harmful or not. Simply download the free SoundCheck Live app on your smartphone.
Helping you keep your hearing safe wherever you are, this easy-to-use app allows you to:
1. Measure noise levels around you
SoundCheck Live tells you if sound levels are safe or harmful using a built-in sound level meter. This monitors sound in real time and shows the current, average, and maximum sound levels in decibels—on one easy-to-follow screen. That same screen will also indicate whether sound levels are OK or loud, or if hearing protection is recommended (explore hearing protection devices at SoundGear.com).
2. Build your noise awareness
SoundCheck Live helps you learn more about environmental noise and how it can impact your hearing. For example, after finding out the current sound decibel levels around you, you can tap Learn more to view a full snapshot (“Sound level overview”) of sound decibel levels from low to high; common sounds for each level; and how long before they can impact your hearing. So, whether you’re seeing your favorite musician in concert or assembling furniture with your power drill, you’ll have an awareness of whether your hearing is safe or if you should wear hearing protection.
3. Protect your hearing
The more you know, the better you can protect your hearing—which is why SoundCheck Live goes beyond the call of duty to provide educational resources at your fingertips. Tapping the Info button on the bottom navigation bar allows you to go in-depth on what noise is and the types of hearing damage extreme noise can cause. Plus, you’ll learn ways you can safeguard your hearing—everything from noise protection devices to limiting your exposure.
How to get SoundCheck Live—and stay safe in sound
It’s easy. Simply download SoundCheck Live to your smartphone from your app store. Find shortcuts for your Apple phone (here) or Android phone (here).
Questions? Contact a hearing care professional
If you have any questions about SoundCheck Live or wearing hearing protection like SoundGear, reach out to a hearing care professional. They can help you determine if a hearing protection device is right for your needs, and if so, which device you can benefit from.
Until then, awareness is the best place to start when it comes to protecting your hearing from noise exposure. Know your noise levels now using the SoundCheck Live app.
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