Wednesday, June 14, 2017

You May Have Hearing Loss and Not Even Know it

You may think your hearing is just fine...and it may be. But, a study performed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC) recently found that about a quarter of people between the ages of 20 and 69 who think their hearing is good or excellent are in actuality showing signs of hearing loss.

Hearing loss is often attributed to noisy work environments or to aging.  It is true - these are prime reasons that people's hearing becomes less acute.  In fact, the CDC attributes about 24% of hearing loss to loud workplaces.  However acting director Dr. Ann Schuchat was surpised to learn that many people with evidence of noise-induced hearing loss don't have noisy jobs, and may have damaged their ears from their home or community environments.  “Older people are more likely to have hearing loss, but this study finds some young adults are already losing some hearing, so this is a concern for all age groups,” Dr. Schuchat said. “Asking patients about their hearing, and providing tips for reducing exposure to loud noises, can help our patients  preserve their hearing longer."

Loud noises, such as from sirens to lawnmowers and rock concerts to sporting events can damage hearing. Noise induced hearing loss accumulates over time, and once the damage is done it does not come back.

Hearing loss may start early in life. The survey found that 20% of Americans in their 20's have some loss of hearing for the softest sounds, and especially so for men. The point of this report that struck me it that a quarter of the folks in this survey did not know they were losing their hearing.  The CDC recommends that it is a good investment to avoid cacophony when you can, and use ear protection (earplugs, ear muffs, noise-cancelling headphones) when you can't. Remember to lower the volume on your TV or music.

I would also recommend a "baseline" evaluation so you know your current hearing status.  We can guide you about the state of your ears so they serve you well for years and years!

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