It’s a common myth that hearing loss only affects older people. In fact, studies show that 1 in 14 people between the ages of 29-40 have hearing problems and 1.4 million people under the age of 18 suffer from hearing impairment.
Research suggests that this is partially because people don’t understand just how easy it is to damage their hearing. Combine that lack of knowledge with a tendency to listen to portable MP3 players at dangerously high volumes and it’s no wonder that hearing loss has become more prevalent in the past decade.
When exposed to harmful noise – anything above 85 decibels – small sensory hair cells in the inner ear can be damaged, resulting in noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).
NIHL is:
• Unnoticeable. It usually occurs without being recognized.
• Cumulative. It worsens over time, and every exposure causes more damage.
• Permanent. The damage cannot be reversed.
Fortunately, NIHL is also 100% preventable. Limiting your exposure to loud sounds can help prevent hearing loss. Wearing hearing protection on the job is also beneficial.
If you suspect that you’ve sustained NIHL, schedule a hearing evaluation at any of our three convenient locations.
