NATIONAL
PROTECT YOUR HEARING MONTH
Did
you know that you can permanently lose your hearing from exposure to loud
noise?
Thirty-six
million Americans have hearing loss.
One in three people developed hearing loss as a result of exposure to
noise. This October, National Protect
Your Hearing Month, Anne Pratt Giroux Audiology and audiologists across the
nation are encouraging Americans to protect their hearing by:
POSTER
“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 (sound energy) into electrical signals that
travel to the brain. Once damaged our
hair cells cannot grow back, causing permanent hearing loss,” explains Anne
Pratt Giroux, Au.D.
The
loudness of sound is measured in units called decibels (dB). Noise-induced hearing loss can be caused by
prolonged exposure to any loud noise over 85 (dB), such as concerts, sporting
events, lawnmowers, fireworks, gun shots, custom car stereos at full volume,
and more. A brief exposure to a very
intense sound, such as a gun shot near
the ear, can also damage your hearing.
Noise
is considered dangerous if: 1. you have to shout over background noise to be heard
2. it is painful to your ears 3. it makes your ears ring during and after exposure,
or 4. if you have decreased or “muffled” hearing for several hours after exposure.
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.
She/he will perform a hearing test to determine the type and severity
of your hearing loss.
For
more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us at