Approximately 36 million Americans have a hearing loss.  One in three developed their hearing loss as a result of exposure to noise.  Noise-induced hearing loss is the only hearing loss that is 100% preventable.  Are you at risk?

What’s too loud?

      Did you ever think about summer job of mowing lawns would give you a hearing loss later on in life?  It can.  You may encounter harmful sounds at work, at home and during recreation activities.  Tractors, gunshots, loud music, mowers, motorcycles are just a few of the things that can damage your hearing loss.   Check out the noise thermometer below to see if you might be at risk. 

How do loud sounds hurt your hearing?

       Noise induced hearing loss is caused by damage to hair cells found in the inner ear.  These hair cells convert sound into electrical signals that the hearing nerve can take up to the brain.  These hairs can be damaged when sounds are too loud and last too long or are very loud and sudden.  For example, a single gunshot blast can be loud enough to damage your hearing.  Sitting too close to speakers at rock concerts over the course of a lifetime can also damage your hearing.  Once these hair cells have been damaged, they cannot grow back.  The damage causes permanent hearing loss. 

 Noise may be dangerous if:

• You have to shout over background noise to be heard
• The noise is painful to your ears
• The noise makes your ears ring
• You have decreased or “muffled” hearing for several hours after exposure

      Below is a picture of what health hair cells look like (left).  On the right is what hair cells look like after being exposure to loud sounds. 

How to protect your hearing

1. Wear hearing protection!  If you are exposed to sound levels above 85 dB, your hearing is at risk.  Various kinds of hearing protection are available, such as foam earplugs, earmuffs and customized earplugs.  Ask your hearing health professional which option is the best for you.  We offer a wide selection of hearing protection, including many specialty custom plugs for hunters, construction workers – even motorcyclists
2. Turn it down!  When possible, avoid listening to music at high levels.  If you are listening to an I-pod and others around you can hear it – it’s too loud! 
3. Walk away from the noise!  This isn’t always possible, but if you are able to distance yourself from the loud noise, your ears will thank you!