Scout's Toolbox Talks

You only get one set of ears. Noise-induced hearing loss doesn’t heal, and symptoms often show up too late to reverse.

Why It Matters:

Loud noise damages the tiny hair cells in your inner ear. Once those cells are gone, they don’t come back — no surgery or medication can fix it. Protecting your hearing now is the only way to prevent permanent loss later.

Key Points:

• Noise over 85 dB (about as loud as a busy roadway) can cause damage over time. Chainsaws, impact drills, and generators often exceed 100 dB.
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) is often the first warning sign of hearing loss.
• Always wear hearing protection in loud environments — even if exposure is brief.
• Rotate out of loud tasks when possible to limit exposure.
• Make sure hearing protection fits properly — loose or damaged plugs and muffs don’t work.

✅ Protect your ears like your eyes — you’ll miss them when they’re gone.

Ask the Crew:

• Do we know what equipment or areas exceed safe noise levels?
• Are we using hearing protection consistently and correctly?

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