More than 36 million Americans have hearing loss and more than half of those individuals are under the age of 65. But did you know that hearing loss 
is preventable? One of the leading causes of hearing loss is exposure to excessive amounts of noise. Since October has been designated as “National Protect Your Hearing Month,” now is the perfect time to get your ears checked.
Today’s modern world is full of everyday objects that emit hazardous levels of noise. Exposure to sounds that exceed 80–85 decibels (dB), is considered loud enough to potentially damage hearing. Exposure to these common sounds exceed that number: a food blender, vacuum cleaner, MP3 player at full volume, concerts and sporting events, an ambulance siren and firecrackers.
It would take eight hours of exposure to a vacuum cleaner (85dB) or four hours of exposure to a hair dryer or power tools at 90dB to potentially cause permanent hearing loss. As the intensity (volume) of the sound increases, the amount of time before exposure to the sound causes damage to your hearing decreases.
Always wear hearing protection around loud noises. When used properly, foam ear inserts can work effectively. Comfortable, custom-made ear protection is available from your local hearing healthcare provider for specific purposes and activities such as hunting, musicians, motor-sports enthusiasts, or even for work.
For more information contact Mary Margaret Griffin, AuD at The Hearing Connection by calling 516-798-1502. The Hearing Connection is located at 83 Grand Ave., in Massapequa.
–Submitted by The Hearing Connection
