Hearing Loss Symptoms and Prevention Tips

Protection is Key to Preventing Hearing Loss

Music, television, crowd noise, video clips, cellphones, street noise, ambulances, fire trucks and airplanes are just some of the noises that we hear on a daily basis. As a culture we have become inundated with LOUD noises that contribute to different types of hearing loss. It is estimated 32.5 million people in the United States are experiencing hearing loss symptoms.  Hearing loss can be painless and not recognized until permanent damage is done. Exposure to high levels of sound on a regular basis can cause damage to the microscopic hairs within the ear that are responsible for acute to severe hearing loss.

How loud is too loud? 

Prolonged exposure to sounds above 85 decibels (dB) are considered "hearing loss damage decibels" and may cause tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and/or permanent damage to your ability decipher sounds. Here are some hearing loss statistics:

• Normal conversation is measured at a noise level of 50-70 dB. 
• A motorcycle or lawn mower is 85-90 dB. 
• A typical rock concert is measured at 110 to120 dB. 
• An ambulance siren or jet engine at take-off is 119-140 dB. 

Regular exposure--even wearing headphones or ear buds--can be dangerous if the volume is too loud. As a good rule of thumb, if you can hear the music when someone is wearing their headphones, it is too loud!

Protection, Protection, Protection

Hearing protection can include ear plugs, ear muffs, and headphones. Those who work in a high risk environment should know that it is imperative to wear the best ear protection and take as many “quiet’ breaks as possible.

• Get your hearing tested yearly to track any loss that may occur.
•  Try to avoid long exposure to any dB over 85-90.

Younger generations should be encouraged to protect their hearing so they will enjoy the sounds of life as they age. They will thank you when they are grandparents.

Remember PROTECTION, PROTECTION, and PROTECTION!! Hearing loss is preventable!!!