1. 6 WAYS TO SAVE YOUR HEARING Phone: 631-615-7374
www.islandbetterhearing.com
2. 1.1 Billion People at Risk for Noise Induced Hearing Loss
The World Health Organization estimates that 1.1 people are at risk
for noise-induced hearing loss from the exposure to excessive sound
levels from personal audio devices and noisy environments such as
nightclubs, bars, concerts, and sporting events. An estimated 26
million Americans already suffer from the condition.
3. How Loud is Too Loud? Prolonged exposure to any sound louder
than 85 decibels is potentially damaging. Many of our daily
activities cross this threshold: Decibel Level Weakest sound heard
0 dB Normal conversation 60 dB City traffic 85 dB MP3 player at max
volume 105 dB Rock concert 115 dB Police sirens 130 dB Jet engine
at 100 140 dB
4. Noise-Induced Hearing Loss is 100% Preventable Noise-induced
hearing loss is 100% preventable if you make the right choices.
Here are 6 ways you can protect yourself from permanent hearing
loss.
5. 1. Use Custom Earplugs You dont have to ditch your plans to
see your favorite musician perform live in concert. Custom earplugs
will protect your hearing, and unlike foam earplugs, custom
earplugs contain sophisticated electronics that reduce sound volume
evenly across frequencies so that music and speech can be heard
clearly and naturally. Custom earplugs are also molded to the
contours of your ear for maximum comfort. Contact your local
hearing specialist for more information.
6. 2. Maintain a Safe Distance From the Sound Source The
inverse square law, as applied to sound, states that as you double
the distance from the source of sound the intensity of the sound
drops by 75%. This law of physics could save your hearing at a rock
concert; instead of standing front row next to the speaker,
increase your distance as much as possible, balancing the benefits
of a good view against a safe distance. Image by Borb at Wikimedia
Commons
7. 3. Take Rest Breaks For Your Ears Hearing damage from
exposure to loud sound is dependent on three factors: Protective
Measures 1. The sound level or intensity Custom earplugs 2. Your
distance from the sound source Maintain safe distance 3. The amount
of time youre exposed to the sound Rest breaks for your ears If
youre at a concert or in a recording studio, for example, make sure
to give your ears periodic breaks and time to recover.
8. 4. Turn Down the Music Follow the 60/60 rule - keep the
volume of any portable music player at no higher that 60% of the
maximum volume for no longer than 60 minutes per day. Photo taken
by Stahlkocher
9. 5. Buy Noise-Cancelling Headphones Noise-cancelling
headphones will filter out loud background sounds (like In a busy
city) so that you can enjoy your music without violating the 60/60
rule. Photo by Mark Kim
10. 6. Schedule Regular Hearing Exams Since hearing loss
develops slowly, it is difficult to detect. For most people, the
only way to know if hearing loss is present is to have a
professional hearing test. But you shouldnt wait until after the
damage is done to schedule an appointment; prevention is the best
medicine, and your local hearing specialist can provide
personalized hearing protection solutions so that you can avoid
hearing loss altogether.