By Jean Guarino, Chicago Sun-Times

Sunscreen? Check. Bug spray? Check. Sunglasses? Check. But what about another essential accessory, earplugs?

Earplugs?

Yes, if your hard-hat job exposes you to a cacophony of racket for long periods, you work in a noisy office environment or enjoy high decibel music festivals, then don’t forget to bring your ear plugs.

“Since there is no cure for noise-induced hearing loss, it’s important to do whatever is necessary to prevent this permanent disability from occurring,” said Dr. Kevin Hulett, an otolaryngolist with Midwest ENT Consultants, a practice specializing in disorders of the ear, nose and throat with four locations in the western suburbs.

“The amount of lifelong hearing loss that results from noise exposure in the workplace, in our day-to-day environment and especially in the way we spend our leisure depends on the level of sound and the length of exposure to that sound,” he added.

To put decibels (dB), which are the unit by which sound is measured, in perspective, consider that the sound of an aircraft at takeoff measures 180 decibels, a chainsaw and amplified music 110, a lawn mower or noisy office 90 and normal conversation just 60 decibels.

“Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards call for no more than eight hours of unprotected exposure to sounds that measure 90 decibels or higher,” said Hulett. “But it’s important to also know that every three decibel increase beyond what is considered ‘normal’ can double the intensity of the sound pressure and permanently damage the ear canal.”

So, according to these OSHA standards, it can take as little as 15 minutes for concertgoers to suffer hearing loss at music venues where the sound of amplified music is ratcheted up to as much as 110 decibels and beyond.

In 2010 the American Medical Society released a disturbing report that concluded 20 percent — or one in five — teens already have experienced hearing loss as a result of listening to amplified music. This is a five percent increase above a similar study conducted in the ’90s. “And with the 275 million [MP3 players] that are estimated to be sold by the end of 2011, the danger of permanent hearing loss is only going to increase,” said Dr. Candace Blank, an audiologist at Loyola University Medical Center.

Both specialists target the ubiquitous iPod that can be used all day, every day for having the greatest potential to inflict lifelong damage if not used properly. “Listeners who use their [MP3 players] on the street, in an office or in any other noisy environment tend to turn up the volume to a much higher level simply to overcome the background noise. And, if their ear buds transmitting this high volume of sound completely plugs the ear canal over a long period of time, there is bound to be damage,” said Hulett.

If you used standard ear buds, Blank suggests using the 80/90 rule: setting the volume at just 80 percent and listening for no more than 90 minutes a day. “But if you regularly listen for longer periods of time it would be a good investment to switch to buds that isolates extraneous sound and enables you to reduce the volume,” she said.

Outdoor music festivals present unique acoustic challenges. A concert hall or auditorium will absorb the sound. But in an outdoor venue the music is dispersed. As a result, it competes with the crowd and other outdoor noises, resulting in the volume being ramped up even higher.

“And the closer the individual is to the speaker or the source of the sound, the greater the potential for hearing loss,” said Blank. “Unfortunately, hearing loss that results from exposure to high levels of amplified music over a long period of time occurs gradually and by the time it’s a significant problem, the damage has been done.”

So what can you do to prevent irreversible hearing loss in an increasingly noisy world?

“Workers in hard hat occupations should always wear protective earmuffs or plugs,” said Blank. “OSHA standards are on the books, but it’s the responsibility of the company to provide the protective gear — and the workers to use them.”

Recreational and environmental hearing loss can be minimized or prevented completely by purchasing inexpensive over-the-counter foam or silicone ear plugs. “These plugs can be fitted over or into the ear canal and are very effective. But be sure and check the Noise Reduction Rating (NNR) on the package,” said Blank. “And never stuff your ear with cotton or Kleenex to muffle the sound.”