Sadly, it’s not that difficult to accidentally expose yourself to noises loud enough to do permanent damage to your hearing. In fact, hearing loss occurs as low as 85 decibels if you’re exposed for an hour or more without earplugs or other ear protection.
You probably are aware that concerts are loud enough to harm your hearing, but did you realize that your smartphone’s earbuds can be just as damaging if the volume is high enough? Sports events, fitness classes and movie theaters are also loud enough to need earplugs. You even need ear protection for your lawn mower and leaf blower.