Summary:
Audiologist Steve Taddei, AuD, co-founder of HearAdvisor, will appear on PBS’s Ask This Old House on October 20, 2025, to demonstrate the dangers of noise exposure and share practical hearing protection tips for tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts.
Key Takeaways:
- Dr Taddei and host Kevin O’Connor measure sound levels from common tools and review various hearing protection options.
- The segment emphasizes that noise-induced hearing loss is preventable with proper awareness and protection.
- The episode supports Dr Taddei’s broader educational mission through HearAdvisor to promote hearing safety and informed device use.
Steve Taddei, AuD, co-founder of HearAdvisor and a contributing audiologist at HearingTracker, will appear on an upcoming episode of PBS’s Ask This Old House on Monday, October 20, 2025. The segment highlights the importance of hearing protection and the risks of noise exposure—topics that affect both professional tradespeople and everyday DIY enthusiasts, who may not be taking appropriate measures to prevent hearing loss.
In the episode titled “Washer Dryer Relocation,” Ask This Old House host Kevin O’Connor meets with Dr Taddei in the workshop to explore the real-world dangers of loud environments. Together, they measure sound levels from common power tools using a smartphone-based sound meter and review several types of hearing protection—from simple foam plugs to advanced electronic earmuffs. Dr Taddei explains how prolonged exposure to high-decibel sounds can permanently damage hearing, and offers practical tips for reducing risk.
“Hearing loss from noise exposure is both common and completely preventable,” says Dr Taddei. “I was thrilled to work with Ask This Old House to show that good hearing habits don’t just protect your ears—they help you stay safer and more aware on the job.”
The conversation builds on Dr Taddei’s ongoing educational efforts through HearAdvisor, where he conducts laboratory testing and consumer education on hearing devices. In a recent HearAdvisor video, “How Loud Is Too Loud?” (available on YouTube), Dr Taddei demonstrates how quickly noise levels from common tools—like lawnmowers, drills, and leaf blowers—can exceed safe listening limits. The video emphasizes that even brief exposures above 85 decibels can contribute to permanent hearing loss over time.
Following the hearing protection segment, the Ask This Old House team transitions to a second project focused on aging-in-place design, where plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, electrician Heath Eastman, and master carpenter Nathan Gilbert collaborate on relocating a washer and dryer to make a home more accessible.
The Ask This Old House episode featuring Dr Taddei premieres October 20 on PBS (check local listings). Episodes are available for streaming the following Monday on The Roku Channel, PBS.org, and ThisOldHouse.com.
