Noise exposure is commonly known as a cause of tinnitus. Both hearing loss and tinnitus are the most common disabilities experienced by military personnel returning from combat zones. Most often they come together, but not always as one or the other can happen alone.

It's important to use protective ear plugs when in extreme noise. That includes when pursuing recreational activities like hunting and attending live sports & musical events. Tinnitus and hearing loss caused by extreme noise are both becoming more common. Important to understand that this causative factor is likely the only one that can be managed easily.

We often attend NFL games. Fortunately, our team plays in an outdoor stadium, so the noise is a bit less than in an indoor stadium. It is sad to attend a game in an indoor stadium where the announcers on the 'big screens' are running decibel meters and encouraging the crowd to make it louder. Anything over 85 dBs is dangerous to hearing. Sometimes the dB meter at those stadiums goes up over 130 dBs. Not good. Wear ear protection to the games!