HEALTH
HEALTH
OUR VALLEY SANTA CLARITA
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Hearing loss has become the third most common health problem in the nation . This increase comes , in part , from noise-induced hearing loss ( NIHL ). NIHL can happen to anyone at any age , and can happen anywhere there are loud noises . Despite this growing problem , there is little national attention and many people still don ’ t understand how to avoid or prevent damage , or even how to recognize subtle changes in hearing .
Inside the ear are small , delicate hairs that help conduct the noise that constitutes a large part of your hearing . Injury to these hair cells comes from exposure — sudden or prolonged — to loud noises . Noise can damage hearing if the decibels ( dB ) are too high , if it is too close to your ears , or if it is heard for long periods of time . This can result in temporary or permanent hearing loss .
As a simple test to tell if your hearing has been affected , think about how your ears react to situations with loud noise . If there is pain , a feeling of having your ears temporarily blocked , the need to shout in order to be heard , or a temporary buzzing or ringing , chances are you have experienced some damage to your hearing .
The summer months can be a noisy time between mowing the lawn , attending outdoor concerts , and enjoying fireworks . While you are partaking in these summer activities , make sure you are protecting your hearing – especially during fireworks this Fourth of July ! Remember to wear earplugs and maintain a safe distance from any firework show .
If you think you ’ ve already experienced dangerous sound levels and want to find out if you have hearing damage , you should visit a hearing expert or audiologist . Contact the hearing experts at Nola Aronson ’ s Advanced Audiology to learn more about your hearing health , 661-505-1135 . Protect your hearing this Fourth of July so you can enjoy the rest of the sounds of the summer !
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