Augusta, GA--About 36 million Americans have hearing loss, and one in three developed this deficit from exposure to noise. Do your ears a favor - lower the volume for better hearing.
“Noise-induced hearing loss is caused by damage to the hair cells that are found in our inner ear. Hair cells are small sensory cells that convert the sounds we hear into electrical signals that travel to the brain,” explains Dr. Althea Grey, an MCGHealth Audiologist. “Once damaged our hair cells cannot grow back, causing permanent hearing loss.”
The loudness of sound is measured in decibels. Noise-induced hearing loss can be caused by prolonged exposure to any loud noise over 85 decibels, such as concerts, sporting events, lawnmowers, fireworks, gun shots and car stereos at full volume. A brief exposure to a very intense sound, such as a gun shot near the ear, can also damage your hearing permanently.
Noise is considered dangerous if you have to shout over background noise to be heard. It is also harmful if you experience ear pain or if the noise makes your ears ring during or after exposure. And, finally, if you have decreased or “muffled” hearing for several hours after exposure, there is a chance that you’ve harmed your hearing.
In recognition of National Protect Your Hearing Month, here are some recommendations to help you protect your hearing:
- Wear hearing protection when you are exposed to sounds louder than 85 decibels for a long period of time.
- Turn down the volume when listening to the radio, television, MP3 player, iPod or anything through ear buds and headphones.
- Walk away from loud noise. Sometimes you can’t control the level of noise, but you can control how long you are exposed to it. So, don’t risk it.
Hearing impairment not only affects your ability to understand speech but it also has a negative impact on your social and emotional well-being. If you suspect you may have hearing loss, make an appointment to see an audiologist. He or she will perform a hearing test to determine the type and severity of hearing loss you may have.
MCG Health, Inc. (d/b/a MCGHealth) is a not-for-profit corporation operating the MCGHealth Medical Center, MCGHealth Children’s Medical Center, the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center, and related outpatient facilities and services throughout the state. For more information, please visit mcghealth.org.