Excessive noise exposure is the most common cause of hearing loss.

The damage caused by noise, called sensorineural hearing loss or nerve deafness, can be caused by several factors other than noise, but noise-induced hearing loss is different in one important way, it can be reduced or prevented altogether.

If you must work in an excessively noisy environment, you should wear protectors. You should also wear them when using power tools, noisy garden equipment, or firearms, or riding a motorcycle.