It’s always a great time to talk about ways to protect your hearing, but May is an especially great time. That’s because May is Better Hearing and Speech Month!
Excessive Noise Is a Big Risk For Hearing Loss
Many factors can increase your risk of developing hearing loss. Some of which, like aging or genetics, you have no control over. However, exposure to loud noise is a leading cause of hearing loss and affects people of all ages, including children and young adults.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “an estimated 12.5% of children and adolescents aged 6–19 years (approximately 5.2 million) and 17% of adults aged 20–69 years (approximately 26 million) have suffered permanent damage to their hearing from excessive exposure to noise.”
Common Activities That Put Your Hearing At Risk
You might assume only extremely loud noises can harm your hearing. However, prolonged exposure to sounds over 85 dB can increase your risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss. For reference, that is about the same volume as city traffic.
Common activities that easily reach 85 dB or higher include:
- Motorcycle riding
- Hunting or going to a shooting range
- Attending sporting events
- Working in construction or other loud environments
- Taking in live music shows at The Attic or other Prescott concert venues
- Listening to music too loudly with headphones or earbuds
Three Great Ways to Protect Your Hearing
- Use proper hearing protection. Hearing protection like earplugs, earmuffs or custom earmolds can help reduce the decibel level down to a tolerable level while still letting you take part in activities that you enjoy. The right hearing protection for you will depend on how much volume reduction you need as well as what activities you’re participating in. If you are unsure, speak with a hearing specialist to learn what will help protect your hearing while ensuring you still hear the sounds you need and want to hear.
- Listen to music at a reasonable volume. When you’re listening to music with headphones, make sure the volume stays below 85 dB. Many smartphones have apps that will let you know if you are listening to music too loudly.
- Get a hearing test at the first sign of problems. If you find that your ears are ringing for days after attending a concert or that you are struggling to follow conversations at work or at home, make an appointment for a hearing test. The earlier hearing loss is diagnosed and treated with hearing aids or other assistive listening devices, the better it is for your overall health and well-being.
To learn more about how to protect your hearing this month and every month or to schedule an appointment, call Prescott Ear, Nose, Throat & Allergy today.