May 31

National Save Your Hearing Day

It's National Save Your Hearing Day - protect your hearing by wearing ear protection and turning down the volume on your devices!

Yearly Date
May 31
Type
Day
Category
Health

Introduction

It's time to protect your hearing and reduce your risk of hearing loss with National Save Your Hearing Day on May 31! This day was created to remind people of the importance of protecting their hearing, and it has been celebrated since 1999. Whether you're listening to music, attending a loud concert, or using power tools, it's important to take steps to protect your ears from harmful noise levels. There are plenty of simple ways you can do this, such as wearing earplugs or limiting the amount of time you spend in noisy environments. So join us in celebrating National Save Your Hearing Day and make sure that you cherish your hearing health!

National Save Your Hearing Day Timeline

1879
Invention of the Telephone
Alexander Graham Bell invents the telephone, marking the beginning of new risks for human hearing with technology.
1910
First Industrial Ear Protectors
The need for hearing protection in workplaces like factories and industrial sites led to the invention of the first commercial ear protectors.
1958
Invention of Stereophonic Sound
Stereophonic sound is pioneered in the recording industry, driving higher volumes and potentially riskier sound levels for listeners.
1979
Walkman Introduction
Sony introduces the Walkman, making loud music directly delivered to the ear a portable pastime and increasing risk of hearing damage.
1999
First National Save Your Hearing Day
National Save Your Hearing Day is observed for the first time, promoting awareness of rising hearing impairment risks and protection methods.
2015
WHO Warning
The World Health Organization issues a warning that over 1 billion teenagers and young adults are at risk of hearing loss due to unsafe listening practices.

How to Celebrate National Save Your Hearing Day

1

Wear earplugs

When in loud environments, wearing earplugs is a great way to protect your hearing. Earplugs come in different sizes and shapes, so make sure to find ones that fit comfortably and are rated for the noise level you will be exposed to.

2

Turn down the volume

When listening to music or watching TV, keep the volume at a moderate level. Keep the volume at a lower level if you are using headphones or earbuds, as they direct sound directly into your ears.

3

Take regular breaks

If you find yourself in a particularly noisy environment, take regular breaks so that you can give your ears a rest from the loud sounds.

4

Get your hearing checked

Having your hearing checked regularly is important in order to catch any hearing loss early on and to ensure that your ears are functioning properly.

5

Educate yourself

Learning about how noise can affect your hearing can help you stay informed and make better decisions when it comes to protecting your hearing.

Why National Save Your Hearing Day is Important

A

Hearing loss is a growing concern

According to the World Health Organization, more than 5% of the world’s population – or 466 million people - have disabling hearing loss. Furthermore, 1 in 3 people over the age of 65 years old suffer from some degree of hearing impairment, and this number is expected to double by 2050.

B

Loud noise can cause permanent damage

A important part of preserving your hearing health is protecting yourself from loud noises. Unprotected exposure to sounds exceeding 85 decibels can cause permanent damage to your ears and even lead to complete hearing loss. That's why it's so important that we recognize National Save Your Hearing Day!

C

There are things you can do to protect your hearing

Protecting your hearing health doesn't have to be difficult. There are simple steps you can take such as wearing ear plugs or protective headphones when listening to music or using power tools, limiting your exposure to loud environments like concerts and sporting events, and getting regular checkups with an audiologist.

National Save Your Hearing Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
May 31
Wednesday
2024
May 31
Friday
2025
May 31
Saturday
2026
May 31
Sunday
2027
May 31
Monday