🐶 October Safety Tip: Protect Your Hearing
(and Have Some Fun Doing It!)

October is Hearing Protection Month, and our safety mascot has the right idea — ear protection on and ready to go!

At IEA, we work with schools, public agencies, and workplaces that know safety isn’t just about hard hats and high-vis vests — it’s also about protecting what you can’t see: your hearing. Noise-induced hearing loss is one of the most common occupational injuries, but it’s also 100% preventable.

Protecting Hearing in Learning and Working Environments

Whether it’s a bustling shop class, a maintenance project, or a loud mechanical room, noise exposure can add up quickly. Over time, even moderate levels of sound can cause permanent damage.

Here’s how to help your staff and students stay safe:

  • Avoid or reduce noise: Limit time spent near loud tools, machinery, or recreational events. Step away for quiet breaks when possible.

  • Use hearing protection: Keep earplugs or earmuffs accessible and use them whenever noise levels rise. For very loud environments, wear both.

  • Check volume on devices: Encourage safe listening habits — especially for students using headphones or earbuds. Keep volume under 60% and take listening breaks.

  • Model good habits: Supervisors, teachers, and team leaders can set the tone by using hearing protection consistently.

  • Schedule hearing tests: Early detection helps prevent long-term issues. Encourage staff and students to get their hearing checked regularly.

A Sound Investment in Safety

Protecting hearing today ensures clear communication, better concentration, and safer workplaces tomorrow. It’s a simple step that makes a lasting difference — and your ears (and future self) will thank you.

So take a cue from our four-legged friend — grab those earmuffs, stay aware, and make hearing protection part of your safety culture.