Whether it’s driving to the office, catching the train, or walking to work, commuting is a routine part of life for many, but new research by Boots Hearingcare has revealed an often overlooked consequence of our daily and weekly travel: the toll it can take on our ear health. 

Brits were polled to understand their commuting habits and uncover the modes of transport they take most frequently, as well as their attitudes towards ear protection. Comparing this with average noise levels encountered when commuting, Hannah Samuels, audiologist at Boots Hearingcare, has shared the signs to look out for when it comes to hearing loss, and how to protect yourself. 

More than two-thirds (67%) of Brits travel into work at least twice a week, with 40% making the journey daily. The car (63%) is the most popular mode of transportation for these daily commutes, followed by walking (15%), the bus (9%), the underground tube (5%), and the overground train (4%).

Commuting often takes place at peak times with heavy traffic, which presents a problem for drivers, bus riders, and pedestrians, as the average noise levels are reported at 85 dB. Hannah said: “Whilse safe noise levels are recommended at 60 dB or below, a dB of 80-85 can cause hearing damage after as little as two hours.” 

Although the statistics for those travelling into work via an underground tube or overground train are considerably lower, for those that do, proper precautions need to be taken to protect their ears. Reports from TFL have revealed in-cab levels on the Northern Line are 81 db and 86 dB when going through tunnels. 

It doesn’t stop there, between January and March 2024, the highest recorded noise across all underground networks reached 100 dB for a duration of two minutes and 16 seconds, which is dangerously close to exceeding 105 dB, which can cause hearing loss after as little as five to 10 minutes.

When it comes to ear health attitudes amongst daily commuters, 80% admit to not either not wearing any form of protection when travelling or not thinking that it’s needed. 

Spotting the signs of hearing damage 

Alarmingly, one in 20 respondents reported that they don’t recognise any of the signs associated with hearing damage, and the majority could only list five out of the 10 symptoms shared. 

Hannah shared the signs to look out for: “It’s important to be aware of all of the potential signs of hearing damage, as it’s unlikely that each person impacted will experience all of them. They include: ear pain or discomfort, tinnitus, hearing distortion, muffled hearing, difficulty understanding speech, sensitivity to sounds and volume, misunderstanding words, balance issues, hearing fatigue, and social withdrawal.” 

If you are experiencing any of the above, it is important that you book a hearing test to address your symptoms so that you can take the proper course of action to protect your hearing moving forward. 

How to protect your ear health

It goes without saying that for many, commuting is unavoidable. But there are a number of ways that you can protect ear health when travelling to and from work:

• Use ear protection. Whether it’s ear plugs, ear muffs, or noise cancelling headphones, using a form of protection can significantly reduce your exposure to harmful noise levels. If you opt for the latter, make sure your volume isn’t exceeding safe levels.
• Opt for alternative routes or times. Whenever possible, plan your commute during off-peak hours when noise levels are generally lower. Alternatively, consider routes that are less congested. Even small reductions in noise exposure can have a positive impact on your hearing health over time.
• Stay informed. Whether you’re driving, walking, or taking public transport, the noise levels you’re exposed to could be putting your hearing at risk. By understanding these risks and taking steps to protect your ears, you can help prevent long-term damage and preserve your hearing for years to come.