International Noise Awareness Day: Raising the volume on hearing protection

AS THE world marks International Noise Awareness Day on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, the spotlight falls on an often-overlooked threat to our health — noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).

According to the Association of and for Persons with Disabilities (APD), preventing NIHL is more critical than ever, as harmful noise exposure remains widely tolerated in everyday environments. From traffic and construction sites to blaring music and noisy workplaces, society continues to underestimate the long-term risks associated with consistent noise levels above 75 decibels (dBA).

"For most people, it's not a matter of if, but when they will lose some sense of hearing," the APD warns. 

Children, in particular, are at heightened risk. With delicate hearing that must last a lifetime, early exposure to excessive noise can cause permanent damage that only becomes noticeable years later.

International Noise Awareness Day serves as a wake-up call to prioritise hearing health and accessibility. The campaign urges everyone to become more mindful of daily noise exposure, adopt protective habits, and advocate for quieter, healthier environments.

Practical tips to prevent hearing loss include:

• Lowering the volume on personal listening devices.
• Using ear protection in loud environments like concerts or when operating machinery.
• Promoting noise control in schools, workplaces, and public spaces.

As Kimberley and communities across South Africa join the global effort to raise awareness, residents are encouraged to take a “reality check” on their daily noise habits — before hearing loss becomes a permanent reality.