Personal Best Health Wellness - Hearing Loss Issues

Aging causes partial hearing loss in most of us. But another common cause of deafness — noise — is stealing this precious sense from too many of us too soon. According to the National Institutes of Health, about 30% of American adults have noise-induced hearing loss. Even more startling: 15% of American children aged 6-19 have noise-induced hearing loss as well. Boom boxes, car stereos, rock concerts and headphones are partially to blame (Pediatrics, July 2001).

Listen up: Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent. Hearing aids can help amplify sounds but canít restore the clarity of sound you once had.

The best way to prevent premature deafness is to turn down the volume in your life. Use ear protection (disposable foam earplugs or earmuff-style protectors) when operating lawn mowers and power tools; also at rock concerts and fireworks displays. Lower the volume on headphones, car stereos and other music sources. Quiet down.

Otherwise, you could be headed for the sounds of silence.

How Loud Is It?
Noise is measured in decibels (dB): The higher the decibel, the louder the sound. Sounds above 85 dB can damage hearing. Study the list to learn the relative effects of some common sounds.