How to leverage technology?

For those with mild hearing loss, technological advancements like Soundhawk can keep you locked in a crowded space—with just two earphones and a microphone on a collar. Invented by anterior ear surgeon Rodney perkins, the Soundhawk operates via Bluetooth, and the intensity level of the sound can be adjusted by downloading the Soundhawk app.

What can I do to stop hearing loss from getting worse?

To reduce the likelihood of developing noise-induced hearing loss early in life, lower your noise cancelling earbuds and earphones volume to a safe level. You’ll want to change your phone settings to limit the volume down to about 70 percent, so you won’t be tempted to listen to music at an unsafe volume control level.

If you’re going to a concert or festival, don’t be afraid and bring earplugs — you never know when you might be closer to a megaphone.

Buy over-ear (not earbud) noise-cancelling headphones instead of earbuds. It’s probably the easiest way to make sure your favorite tune doesn’t take away the joy of your life.