There is increasing evidence that more people are experiencing hearing loss at a younger age than ever before. The most common cause: exposure to noise. The result: permanent sensorineural hearing loss.

The National Institute of Health estimates that about 10 million Americans have some degree of hearing loss due to noise exposure.

About 11 million are exposed to hazardous noise levels in the community (traffic and aircraft noise), at recreation (guns, snowmachines, motorcycles, music), and household (lawnmowers, appliances, chainsaws).

Perhaps the most common cause of noise-induced hearing loss is loud music. Sound levels at rock concerts can reach levels of 120 decibels, well beyond the safety levels established by OSHA.

Personal stereo headsets are a particular risk. One study found the typical stereo headset user listens at about 115 decibels.

The damage to hearing sensitivity usually develops very, very gradually. The loss occurs when the hair cells of the inner ear are damaged or destroyed by the high levels of stimulation. Initially the loss is temporary and the ear seems to recover. After repeated exposures, the hearing loss becomes permanent. Much of what we consider hearing loss due to “aging” may actually be due to decades of exposure to relatively moderate levels of noise.

There are warning signs:

Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or a sense of fullness or dullness in the ears is often noticed following noise exposure. And if an individual must raise his or her voice to be heard-the noise level is probably great enough to affect hearing.

Because moise-induced hearing loss can develop so gradually, I recommend an audiologic evaluation as soon as the individual or family member begins to talk about possible hearing problems or if the individual is exposed to significant levels of noise at work or recreation.

Noise induced hearing loss is PREVENTABLE.

For more information contact us at:

Peninsula Hearing Services, Inc

907-262-3224