972.838.1300 www . hearinmckinney . com
Noise Exposure –– an Ounce of Prevention
By Elizabeth Brassine , Au . D .
I often tell my patients , “ The three most common causes of sensorineural hearing loss are family history , aging process and noise exposure .” I usually follow that comment up with , “ You can ’ t control family history or aging , but you can control noise exposure .”
Remember Protection : If you are unable to avoid excessive noise , muffle it ! There are different types of earplugs ( many of them custom-made which makes them more comfortable and ensure proper placement and usage ) that can decrease the intensity of the sound reaching your eardrum . Protection should always be used while working near power tools , firearms , heavy machinery , concerts , etc .
Noise can damage hearing , specifically long-term exposure to sound levels above 85 decibels . Examples of this level of noise include a lawnmower or loud truck traffic . Hearing can be protected from damage due to loud noise exposure by adhering to the following strategies :
Hold Yourself Accountable : You are in the best position to ensure that you practice behaviors that support healthy hearing for yourself and your family .
Evaluate Your Surroundings : If you are standing three feet away from someone and cannot hear what they are saying , the surrounding noise level could be damaging to your hearing .
Avoid the Noise : The easiest way to avoid noise-induced hearing loss is to avoid the noise ! Turn down the volume on your stereo or mp3 player and whenever possible move away from the sources of loud noises to diffuse the overall intensity .
So , how loud and how long ? One way that noise can permanently damage your hearing is by a single brief exposure to high noise levels , such as a firecracker or single gunshot near your ear . But hearing damage can also occur gradually at much lower levels of noise if there is enough exposure over time . To protect your hearing , you ’ ll want to limit your exposure to these moderately high noise levels .
At 91dB , your ears can tolerate up to two hours of exposure ( loud movies in a theater ). At 100dB , damage can occur with 15 minutes of exposure ( tractor , cement mixer , and snowmobile ). At 112dB , damage can occur with only one minute of exposure ( chainsaw , jackhammer , loud rock concert . At 140dB , immediate nerve damage can occur . Firearms , firecrackers , and jet engines taking off are all louder than 140dB . So , be smart now and protect your ears from loud noise !
Dr . Liz Brassine is an audiologist and the owner of Hearing Services of McKinney . You may reach her at 972-838-1300 .
HEARING SERVICES
Better Hearing Keeps You Connected !
• Staffed by 2 Licensed , Doctors of Audiology
• Hearing Aid Fittings , Maintenance and Repairs
• Invisible Fittings / Open Fittings
• Evaluation Period On All Hearing Aids
• Hearing Evaluations For All Ages
• Wireless / Connectivity Hearing Solutions
• Battery Purchase Programs
• Custom Ear Protection
• Assistive Devices
• 26 Years of Experience
Locally Owned and Operated Financing Options Available
Mon-Fri : 8:30am- 5:00pm Other times available by appt .
“ After 10 years of training hearing professionals , I decided to come home to McKinney to do what I love most-helping the hearing impaired ”.
Liz Brassine , Au . D .
972.838.1300 www . hearinmckinney . com
4201 Medical Center Dr , Suite 270 Across from Medical Center of McKinney of M c Kinney
LIZ BRASSINE , Au . D . DOC T O R O F A U DIOLOGY
DENTON COUNTY Living Well Magazine | MARCH / APRIL 2017
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