Children, teens and adults unknowingly risk their hearing during many activities. The damage can be immediate and permanent or gradual, causing hearing loss over time from prolonged exposure.

Summer is filled with joyful sounds –from picnics and parties to concerts and fireworks – but some can be pretty loud. During fireworks, it is not unusual to see babies wearing protective earmuffs.

Restaurant noise is a known nuisance. Zagat and Consumer Reports surveys have both named loud environments as the number one irritant for patrons. Many people choose their lunch or dinner destinations ...