SOMERSET, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--This spring, an estimated 28 million Americans may be missing the sounds of birds chirping in the trees and other sounds that color our world. Of the more than 36 million Americans with hearing loss, just 20% or 7.2 million seek help.
During May, National Hearing Month, leading hearing aid manufacturer Oticon, Inc., encourages everyone to tune into the joyful sounds of spring and offers practical advice to protect your hearing whatever the season.
Over time, sounds that are louder than 85 decibels, about the loudness of heavy traffic, can lead to noise induced hearing loss. Noise is everywhere. At rock concerts, sound levels soar to more than 100 decibels. Even typical spring cleaning chores like vacuuming or mowing the lawn can reach levels above 90 decibels.
The simplest way to start protecting your hearing is by limiting the amount of time you expose your ears to loud noise. Stay as far away from the source of noise as possible and walk away when sounds get too loud. Turn down the volume on TVs, radios, and MP3 players. Reduce the number of noisy appliances running at the same time. Buy quieter products, especially toys and personal care appliances like blow dryers.
“My number-one tip is to use ear protection wherever possible,” says Oticon Audiologist Kathy Costa, AuD. “Invest in a set of inexpensive foam earplugs or visit a sporting goods store and purchase a good set of sound-reducing earmuffs.”
If you are already experiencing difficulty hearing conversation or find yourself turning up the volume on the TV just a little too loud, schedule an appointment to have your hearing checked. “Hearing evaluations are quick and painless,” explains Costa. “If a hearing loss is detected, there are a range of small and discreet hearing solutions available that will allow you to hear more clearly whether you’re in a noisy environment like a restaurant or enjoying a stroll in the great outdoors.”
To help you learn about the noise level of common sounds in your environment, Oticon has created several fun and informative infographs, available at https://www.facebook.com/oticonusa.
Visit http://www.oticonusa.com/hearing/prevent-damage/prevent-damage/protect-your-hearing.aspx for more information about hearing health and hearing protection.
