Can fire alarm tests damage your hearing?

Yes, they can. A fire alarm reaches very high decibel levels, which vary between models. It's best to leave the building while a test is occurring, because a person is not meant to withstand that level of sound for an extended period of time without hearing protection. This is why it is required of landlords to notify tenants of a test 24 hours before the test occurs.

Just in case you miss a notice, or it happens while you are out shopping, at school, or at work: My advice is to buy a pair of ear plugs to wear if an alarm goes off where you are. Hearing loss IS preventable, and they won't take up much space in your car, purse, or whatever you carry with you.