Permanent, irreversible hearing loss caused by exposure to loud sound is completely preventable.
To reduce their risk of noise-induced hearing loss, adults and children can do the following:
- Understand that noise-induced hearing loss can lead to communication difficulties, learning difficulties, pain or ringing in the ears (tinnitus), distorted or muffled hearing, and an inability to hear some environmental sounds and warning signals
- Identify sources of loud sounds (such as gas-powered lawnmowers, snowmobiles, chainsaws, heavy equipment or machinery, power tools, gunfire, or music) that can contribute to hearing loss and try to reduce exposure
- Adopt behaviors to protect their hearing:
- Avoid or limit exposure to excessively loud sounds
- Turn down the volume of music systems
- Move away from the source of loud sounds when possible
- Use hearing protection devices when it is not feasible to avoid exposure to loud sounds or reduce them to a safe level
A good set of hearing protection can be a great Christmas Present to yourself or someone you love! Hearing awareness, education, and hearing loss prevention are of utmost importance to us at Washington Hearing Center! We hope to share our knowledge and passion with you and your family. Call today to schedule an evaluation or to discuss custom hearing protection.
Information referenced from CDC