Surprisingly, common everyday activities can damage hearing. e.g.

Don't drive continuously with the window open - or suffer other noisy activity - without considering the effect on your hearing.

If you are engaged in clay pigeon shooting or live quarry you share this risk. Protection from earplugs, custom fit solutions, and ear defenders are available.

Carry earplugs with you if you ride a motorbike. It's definitely an activity for which you should consider earplugs – even with your helmet on. And don’t forget your pillion rider.

This precaution also applies to similar “machinery”, at work and play, which gives out a similar level of decibels.

Earplugs need not be expensive; you can buy disposable ones. Or you can invest extra to have some moulded and custom fit to your ears.

For that reason, extra sets of disposables are a good idea to keep in your toolbox, kit bag or gun case.

For a free guide (opposite) see the download at the bottom of this page.

Links below provide information if you listen to music a lot, or use an mp3 player.

If unsure whether you already suffer damaged hearing, test your hearing on this site.