Ways In Which You Can Save Your Hearing
Things around us are getting louder with more traffic on the roads and in the skies, louder stereos, rock concerts and sound systems in the cinemas and our homes are contributing to a higher volume level of our daily lives. Over 28 million Americans are deaf or have hearing problems, many cases being due to the rise in volume in our daily lives.
Thankfully hearing loss can be delayed or prevented completely. Vast improvements have been made in the technology used in hearing aids and medical treatments for hearing loss.
The ages of hearing loss sufferers are getting younger as more people become exposed to damaging sound levels. Around 30 million Americans are being exposed to damaging noise levels and 10 million are said to have already been victim to irreversible damage caused by dangerous nose levels.
The age group that has the highest amount of hearing loss is between the ages of 45 and 64 with men suffering 365% hearing loss and women 85% Thankfully the majority of hearing loss from noise levels and ear infections including middle ear infections in children is preventable.
Regular hearing tests are recommended and should be started at birth. A new inexpensive test for newborns, called otoacoustic, is now available and emissions can accurately detect any problems. A baby will already be developing language skills during the first six months of their life and hence early diagnosis of hearing problems can ensure these first six months are as beneficial as possible.
The process of hearing involves the collection of sound waves in the air by our outer ears and converting these waves to electrical signals as they cause the ear drum and the tiny bones to vibrate. The cochlea, also known as the organ of hearing, has tiny cells that are able to convert these vibrations into nerve impulses which then travel to the brain. These cells cannot grow back if they are damaged.
Many people who damage their ears may end up suffering from tinnitus, a high pitched constant ringing in their ears. It is estimated that 40 million Americans have some form of tinnitus, but thankfully the majority can learn to live with it.
The sounds heard are often described as crickets which some people are able to live with as it can lull them to sleep at night. Some find the sounds really maddening and are unable to ignore them. Approximately 10 million people suffer from severe tinnitus, and 80% do manage to find relief, but as of yet no cure has been found.
William Shatner, known to many as Captain Kirk from Star Trek, admitted that the torment he suffered from a severe case of tinnitus made him consider suicide. Close proximity to loud explosions on the set of Star Trek has been blamed as a possible cause of his condition.
Here are some examples of ways in which you will protect your hearing. In certain situations you should always wear earplugs. Being exposed to noise above 90 decibels for a prolonged length of time such as a power drill or a motorcycle can caused temporary hearing loss. Being exposed to over 100 decibels without ear protection can cause hearing damage even within 15 minutes. Heavy machinery and rock concerts often pump out 110 decibels of sound which is enough to cause permanent hearing loss.
Ear infections can damage your hearing if not treated early. Ear infections can be present without any pain or swelling. Sometimes the only noticeable symptom is a loss of hearing. Whenever you start to notice any difference in your hearing, speak to a doctor and get booked in for a test.
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