Thirty-six million Americans have hearing loss. One-in-three developed their hearing loss as a result of exposure to noise. This May, Better Hearing Month, Mary Martin, Laurie Zollinger, and audiologists across the Nation are encouraging Americans to protect their hearing by:
- wearing hearing protection when around sounds louder than 85dB for a long period of time
- turning down the volume when listening to the radio, TV, MP3 player, or any device through ear buds and headphones
- walking away from loud noise.
“Noise-induced hearing loss is caused by damage to the hair cells that are found in our inner ear. Hair cells are small, sensory cells that convert the sounds we hear (sound energy) into electrical signals, that travel to the brain. Once damaged, our hair cells cannot grow back, causing permanent hearing loss,” explains Mary Martin, AuD.
The loudness of sound is measured in units called decibels (dB). Noise-induced hearing loss can be caused by prolonged exposure to any loud noise over 85 (dB), such as concerts, sporting events, lawnmowers, fireworks, gun shots, custom car stereos at full volume, and more. A brief exposure to a very intense sound, such as a gun shot near the ear, can also damage your hearing.
Noise is considered “dangerous” if
- you have to shout over background noise to be heard
- it is painful to your ears
- it makes your ears ring during and after exposure
- if you have decreased or “muffled” hearing for several hours after exposure.
Hearing impairment not only affects your ability to understand speech. It also has a negative impact on your social and emotional well-being.
If you suspect you may have hearing loss, make an appointment to see an audiologist. He or she will perform a hearing test to determine the type and severity of hearing loss you may have.
For more information on hearing loss, hearing protection devices, levels of noise, or to schedule an appointment, contact CGH at 815-632-5400.