Exposure to excessively loud or loud sounds that last a long time can damage sensitive structures in our inner ear, causing noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Once damaged, some sensitive structures cannot grow back.
People of all ages, including children, teens, young adults, and older people, can develop NIHL. Approximately 26 million (15 %) Americans between the ages of 20 and 69 have high frequency hearing loss that may have been caused by exposure to loud sounds or noise at work or in leisure activities. Recreational activities that can put one at risk for NIHL include target shooting and hunting, snowmobile riding, woodworking and other hobbies, playing in a band, and attending rock concerts. Harmful noises at home may come from lawnmowers, leaf blowers, and shop tools.
NIHL is 100 % preventable. All individuals should understand the hazards of noise and how to practice good hearing health in everyday life. To protect your hearing:
• Know which noises can cause damage (those at or above 85 decibels).
• Wear earplugs or other hearing protective devices when involved in a loud activity (special earplugs and earmuffs are available at hardware and sporting goods stores).
• Be alert to hazardous noise in the environment.
• Protect the ears of children who are too young to protect their own.
• Make family, friends, and colleagues aware of the hazards of noise.
• If you suspect hearing loss, have a medical examination by an otolaryngologist (a physician who specializes in diseases of the ears, nose, throat, head, and neck) and a hearing test by an audiologist (a health professional trained to measure and help individuals deal with hearing loss).
Information Source: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders of the
National Institutes of Health www.nidcd.nih.gov/
Thank you for your time!
Question? Comment? Know Someone interested in receiving these tips? We’d love to hear from you: [email protected]
