More than one in ten Americans suffer from hearing problems, and a large percentage of this statistic is related to exposure over overly loud sounds. Hearing loss as a result of noise exposure is preventable through the use of hearing protection.
Hearing loss can occur when an individual is exposed to loud sounds of up to 85 decibels of noise over a period of eight hours. Putting this into perspective, normal conversations typically occur at 60 decibels. The louder the noise, the faster hearing loss can occur.
Over time as you get older your hearing will begin to decline in performance. However, if you damage your hearing at an earlier age with noise exposure, as your hearing declines the two can contribute to some of the changes in hearing. This is why it is extremely important to protect your hearing while around noise at work and during recreation.
Tinnitus is a common hearing concern in which a patient will describe a buzzing, humming, ringing, chirping noise in one or both ears that occurs at a constant basis. Often, the cause of tinnitus is exposure to overly loud noises.
One important line of protection against loud hazardous noises is hearing protection that meets the OSHA requirements. Earplugs and earmuffs can greatly reduce the decibel exposures that can help provide protection against a potential hearing loss. While some high decibel exposures may be unavoidable to perform necessary tasks, that doesn’t mean one can’t take steps to protect their hearing whether in an occupation or recreationally.
There are several different types of hearing protection that we can assist you with here at Lemme Audiology. From recreation to workplace protection, we have you covered! Just call our office at (814) 941-7770
Elizabeth Zuniga – Audiology Extern at Lemme Audiology Associates
