By AMANDA PERKINS, AuD
Hearing serves an important function in communication, and we often do not think of the importance of our hearing until it is reduced.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that approximately 5.2 million children and adolescents and approximately 26 million adults suffer from permanent noise-induced hearing loss.
As hearing has such an essential job, we want to make sure we protect our hearing whenever possible. Noise-induced hearing loss results from exposure to loud sounds. These sounds can be one-time exposure or it can occur over time. Tinnitus, ringing or buzzing in the ears or the perception of sound when external stimuli is not present, can be another side effect of being exposed to loud noises.
The good news is this type of hearing loss is preventable! Here are some ways to protect your hearing:
- Limit the exposure to loud sounds
- Reduce volume on personal music players or place a volume control on the system
- Use hearing protection when in noisy situations, such as concerts
- Use noise-canceling headphones or headphones that fit well to avoid increasing the music to compensate for outside ambient noise, including on an airplane
- Do not listen to music while performing a noisy activity. Instead, use hearing protection.
- While using hearing protection, ensure a proper fit
For more information, please contact me or visit these websites.
- http://www.noisyplanet.nidcd.nih.gov/parents/what-is-noise-induced-hearing-loss
- http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/hearingloss/noise.html
- http://www.ata.org/
About the Author
Amanda Perkins, AuD, is an Audiologist with Lakeland Regional Health. To make an appointment with Dr. Perkins, call 863.284.5906.