National Protect Your Hearing Month is observed in October each year. Find out how to protect yourself and those around you from noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) thanks to Noisy Planet, an organization dedicated to helping prevent NIHL.
What is NIHL?
Noise-induced hearing loss occurs when noise damages tiny hair cells within the cochlea. Located in the inner ear, the cochlea is a small organ for hearing. When the hair cells become damaged, they can no longer send information about sound to the brain. New hair cells cannot be grown to replace damaged ones, so NIHL is permanent. The good news is, it’s also largely preventable.
How to Prevent Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Individuals of all ages can develop NIHL, which can cause communication challenges. It can also make it hard to appreciate the sounds of everyday life, such as chirping birds. Hearing loss may not be obvious at first, so it’s important to take preventative measures. Helping children and teens make healthy hearing a habit can help them avoid NIHL throughout their lives.
Noisy Planet recommends the following actions to help prevent NIHL:
- Turn it down! Keep volume low on devices such as televisions, smartphones, and tablets. You can set maximum volume levels. Sounds below 70 A-weighted decibels (dBA) are typically considered safe.
- Move away. Sometimes the easiest way to prevent hearing loss is to increase your distance from the sound. For example, you might sit farther from the speakers at a concert or enjoy a fireworks show from a distance.
- Protect your ears. Wear earplugs or protective earmuffs when you can’t easily avoid being around a loud noise. This includes activities like attending a sporting event, mowing the lawn, and being in a noisy work environment.
If you or a loved one has been injured, contact the Schuerman Law office today. Schuerman Law has been working with personal injury claims for over 40 years. John Schuerman will compassionately advocate for injured individuals as well as their families while fighting for full compensation of their claims. Schuerman Law offers evening and weekend appointments in addition to home and hospital visits. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 1-800-274-0045.
