You can permanently lose your hearing from prolonged exposure to noise!

12 million Americans have hearing loss as a result of exposure to noise, creating noise-induced hearing loss.

This October is National Protect Your Hearing Month. Hearing Associates, Inc. and Doctors of Audiology across the nation are encouraging Americans to protect their hearing by:

·      Wearing hearing protection when exposed sounds louder than 85dBSPL for 30 minutes or more.

·      Turning down the volume when listening to the radio, the TV, MP3 player, or anything through ear buds and headphones.

·      Walking away from loud noise.

“Noise-induced hearing loss is caused by damage to the microscopic hair cells, or cilia, which are found in the inner ear. Cilia are small sensory cells that convert the sounds we hear (sound energy) into electrical signals that travel to the brain. Once damaged, our hair cells cannot be repaired or grow back, causing permanent hearing loss.” explains Dr. Carly J. Girard, Au.D. and Owner/President of Hearing Associates, Inc.

The loudness of sound is measured in units called decibels (dB). Noise-induced hearing loss is caused by prolonged exposure to any loud noise over 85 (dBSPL), such as concerts, sporting events, lawnmowers, fireworks, MP3 players at full volume, and more. A brief exposure to a very intense sound, such as a gun shot near the ear, can also damage your hearing.

An environment is too loud and considered dangerous if:

·      You have to shout over background noise to be heard.

·      It is painful to your ears.

·      It makes your ears ring during and after exposure.

If you have decreased or “muffled” hearing for several hours after exposure, that is a sign of temporary and possibly permanent hearing damage.

Hearing loss not only affects your ability to understand speech but it also has a negative impact on your social and emotional well-being. Noise-induced hearing loss can occur gradually over time, and people don’t often realize they are changing the way they live to make up for the difficulty.

If you suspect you may have hearing loss, make an appointment to see a Doctor of Audiology. We will perform a hearing test to determine the type and severity of hearing loss you may have.

For more information or to schedule an interview, contact us at 847.662.9300 or www.hearingdoc.com.

About Hearing Associates, Inc.

At Hearing Associates, Inc. our entire staff is assembled for one purpose: to empower our patients and preserve their hearing. The staff and Doctors of Audiology work with our patients to provide excellent service, effective hearing-loss solutions, and the latest hearing technologies for each individual’s specific needs. Hearing Associates has been dedicated to improving the lives of their patients since it’s founding in 1980. The Doctors of Audiology at Hearing Associates investigate, diagnose, and treat hearing loss, ringing of the ears, problems hearing in background noise, hearing but not understanding, sensitivity to loud sounds, dizziness, and more. Additionally, Hearing Associates provides hearing loop technology to effectively resolve listeners’ problems with distance, background noise, and reverberation. Hearing Associates has been an advocate for their patients’ to have hearing loops installed throughout Lake County in multiple places of worship, senior citizen centers, libraries, public offices, and theatres in Lake County. For more information about Hearing Associates and their services, please call 847-662-9300 or visit hearingdoc.com.