Here’s how you’re damaging your ears—and what you can do to protect them

One of the central storylines of A Star Is Born is Jackson Maine’s (Bradley Cooper) struggle with hearing loss and tinnitus, made worse by the fact that he’s a musician who performs live concerts and exposes himself to loud sounds on a daily basis. While most of us aren’t famous musicians playing shows every night, many of us expose ourselves to loud noises that can cause long-term hearing loss, whether at a concert, through our headphones, or in public places. And, as otolaryngologist Dr. William Slattery tells us, hearing loss can be difficult to reverse.