We’re continuing our coverage on raising awareness about National Protect Your Hearing Month. It’s the time of the year when we highlight the causes of hearing loss and preventative measures everyone can take.
Studies have revealed one in five Americans over 12 years old experienced hearing loss in at least one ear. Common causes of hearing loss include a work environment and attending sports arenas/stadiums or concerts. Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) can become permanent if treatment is not immediately received. You don’t necessarily need to avoid all noise but rather: 1. Be aware of how much time you are spending in a loud space 2. Know when to take a break 3. Wear earplugs when appropriate An Important Timeline on Hearing Protection and Awareness 1914 A patent was made available for disposable earplugs. 1976 This year marks the establishment of the National Hearing Conservation Association. This organization publicly advocates for hearing loss prevention. 2008 “It's a Noisy Planet. Protect Their Hearing® (Noisy Planet)” campaign was started by The National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). This movement focuses on people who actively try to help children follow healthy hearing practices. The main message is: “Turn it Down, Walk Away, or Use Hearing Protection.” Ways to Observe Protect Your Hearing Month
If there’s a month-long recognition for something, you know it’s meaningful. National Protect Your Hearing Month is acknowledged at a national level every October. Hearing is an essential part of our daily lives.
Healthy hearing helps us maintain our physical health, cognitive health, emotional health, and overall quality of life. Having an easier time communicating with others, enjoying their company and laughter, listening to music, TV, your favorite podcast, or hearing sounds in nature improves each aspect of your life. Protecting your hearing with earplugs, being careful of loud and lengthy noise exposure, and practicing healthy physical and mental exercises can improve your hearing health. Hearing Protection and Noise-induced Hearing Loss The only type of preventable hearing loss is noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). It’s the second most common cause of hearing loss. The most common type of hearing loss is presbycusis (age-related hearing loss). NIHL occurs when loud noises impact the nerve endings in the inner ear, leading to damaged nerves. Temporary or permanent hearing damage may occur. The CDC estimates that about 40 million adults in the U.S. between the ages of 20-69 experience NIHL. One in four individuals who report good hearing has damage to their hearing. Earplugs (as mentioned above) can be customized or come in a standard shape and size. Earmuffs donned over the ears can protect hearing from noises that reach at least 70 decibels (dB). It just takes 70 dB to affect your hearing health. Here are some examples of noises that are about 70 dB:
How to Measure Noise Levels Using a decibel meter app to measure noise levels in places you frequent is a way to protect potential hearing loss and take proper preventive care. NIHL is permanent, so preventing possible exposure is vital to your hearing health. Regularly measuring noise levels in areas you frequent, like at home or in your work environment, can help you gauge what’s normal and what’s not normal. If you visit a sports arena or go to a concert, you’ll want to measure the noise levels as they tend to exceed the recommended limits. The 70-Decibel Limit Moderate noise is 70 dB since it’s under the 85 dB threshold that can damage a human’s ears. The 70-dB limit is also the upper limit that the EPA recommends during a 24-hour average noise level exposure. Hearing loss can occur from prolonged exposure to this noise level. If you hear noise levels that go beyond 70 dB for a short period, take a break from that noise by going to a quieter place for as long as you need. Your ears must recuperate from the noise exposure to prevent temporary or permanent harm. Average Noises and their Decibel Levels 20 dB - Rustling leaves 40 dB - Human whisper 60 dB - Normal conversation 85 dB - Heavy city traffic noises 90 dB - Hairdryer 100 dB - MP3 player at the highest volume 110 dB - A rock concert 120 dB - A plane getting ready to ascend during take-off 140 dB - Gunshots and fireworks If employees are regularly exposed to noises over 80-85 dB for 8 hours, employers must provide hearing protection to their workers. In public spaces, there are no clearly defined noise limits. The safest noise level in any setting is a maximum level of 70 dB for over 24 hours. Simple Solutions to Protect Hearing Avoid excessive noise exposure by avoiding loud environments, wearing earplugs/ear muffs, and keeping the volume within low or moderate ranges on personal devices. If you or a loved one experiences hearing loss, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a hearing test and consultation. A new study (the Aging and Cognitive Health Evaluation in Elders - or ACHIEVE) published by The Lancet revealed that hearing aid usage lowered the risk of cognitive decline in older adults by 48%.
What did the ACHIEVE study reveal? The study took place for over three years. The study examined about 1,000 adults (between the ages of 70 and 84) from two different health backgrounds. One group was labeled “healthy community volunteers,” and the other group was already participating in a study regarding cardiovascular health. All participants had untreated hearing loss with no significant cognitive detriment. At random, the participants were separated into two groups. The first group received proper help for their hearing (hearing aids and consultations). The second group received health education but no hearing aids. The participants already in the study on cardiovascular health who received help for their hearing showed a 48% delay in cognitive decline over the three-year study, compared to the peer group in the cardiovascular study who only received health education. Studies on Hearing Loss and Dementia Multiple studies, including the Lancet Commission on Dementia, Prevention, Intervention, and Care, in addition to Johns Hopkins Medicine, have found a connection between hearing loss, cognitive decline, and dementia. Hearing loss was named the primary variable risk factor to prevent dementia. This study backs up the importance of helping anyone with hearing loss by using the proper treatment. Wearing hearing aids programmed for your specific loss can help lower the 10 million new cases of dementia globally every year. Contact one of our hearing instrument specialists at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation. |
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