Be aware of the warning signs for hearing loss. If you have control of the volume, turn it down; if you don't, wear hearing protection. There are many options available today to meet specific needs and uses for hearing protection; from products designed to give as much ambient noise protection as possible, to hearing protection devices designed specifically for performing musicians. Twenty years ago no one wore bicycle helmets, but now it's rare when you see someone riding without one. Concrete hasn't gotten harder in the last two decades, people have become much more educated about the risks involved and the dangers they face should they be involved in an accident. It's a noisy world out there. With the information and resources available today, positive steps can be taken to reduce the occurrence of noise induced hearing loss.