Hearing loss can be frustrating and even dangerous. If you have hearing loss, you may:
Hearing problems can get worse if they are not treated. That’s why it’s important to get your hearing checked.
If you find out you have a hearing problem, you can take steps to deal with it before it gets worse.
Source: National Health Information Center
If you are over age 65, get your hearing checked. Many people lose their hearing slowly as they age.
If you have hearing loss, you are not alone. Start by asking your doctor for a hearing test. Your doctor may refer you to a hearing specialist.
Source: National Health Information Center
|
150
|
Firecracker |
|
120
|
Ambulance siren |
|
110
|
Chain saw, Rock concert |
|
105
|
Personal stereo system at maximum level |
|
100
|
Wood shop, Snowmobile |
|
95
|
Motorcycle |
|
90
|
Power mower |
|
85
|
Heavy city traffic |
|
60
|
Normal conversation |
|
40
|
Refrigerator humming |
|
30
|
Whispered voice |
Protect Your Ears:
Know which noises can cause damage. Wear ear plugs when you are involved in a loud activity.
110 Decibels
Regular exposure of more than 1 minute risks permanent hearing loss.
100 Decibels
No more than 15 minutes of unprotected exposure recommended.
85 Decibels
Prolonged exposure to any noise at or above 85 decibels can cause gradual hearing loss.
Source: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
Hearing Loss: It occurs due to daily exposure to excessive noise in the work place, by continous receiving of phone calls , listening music in large volume, all the time using the earphone etc. It can be by birth or due to exposure to the noisy environment. One can get hearing loss problem on one ear only or in both the ears. Hearing loss can lead to deafness.
Hearing Aid: Hearing aid is a small electronic device that can be wore either in or behind the ear.It makes the sounds a bit louder so that after wearing a person can participate in daily activities.It can help people in both quiet and noisy situations. It consists of three parts: a microphone, amplifier and a speaker.The amplifier increases the power of the signals and then sends them to the ear through a speaker.
Another cause of hearing loss is the ear infection otitis media, which can lead to long-term hearing loss if it is not treated. A severe blow to the head also can cause hearing loss.
Source: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
People with hearing loss have trouble fully participating in everyday life. They may mistake words in a conversation, miss directions or warnings, or leave a ringing doorbell unanswered. Older people who can’t hear well may become depressed or withdraw from others to avoid feeling frustrated or embarrassed about not understanding what is being said.
They may become suspicious of relatives or friends who they believe “mumble” or “don’t speak up” on purpose. Hearing loss can cause older people to become more isolated and can even put them in harm’s way if they are unable to respond to warnings or hear sounds of impending danger.
It is easy to mistakenly call older people confused, unresponsive, or uncooperative just because they don’t hear well.
Source: National Institute on Aging, U.S. National Library of Medicine
Presbycusis and tinnitus are two of the most common types of hearing loss in older adults. Presbycusis comes on gradually as a person ages and mostly affects people over 50. Doctors do not know why presbycusis happens, but it seems to run in families.
Having presbycusis may make it hard for a person to tolerate loud sounds or to hear what others are saying. This type of hearing loss sometimes involves damage to the inner ear, which is permanent.
Tinnitus, also common in older people, is the ringing, hissing, or roaring sound in the ears frequently caused by exposure to loud noise or certain medicines. Tinnitus can accompany any type of hearing loss, but it can be a sign of other important health problems, too, such as allergies and problems in the heart and blood vessels. Tinnitus can come and go, or it can stop altogether.
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine
Approximately 15 percent, or 32.5 million, of American adults say that they have some degree of hearing loss. Hearing loss is one of the most common conditions affecting older adults. Roughly one-third of Americans 65 to 74 years of age and 47 percent of those 75 and older have hearing loss.
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine
Some people may not want to admit they have trouble hearing. Older people who can’t hear well may become depressed or withdraw from others to avoid feeling frustrated or embarrassed about not understanding what is being said. It is easy to mistakenly call older people confused, unresponsive, or uncooperative just because they don’t hear well.
Hearing problems that are ignored or untreated can get worse. If you have a hearing problem, you can get help. See your doctor. Hearing aids, special training, certain medicines, and surgery are some of the choices that can help people with hearing problems.
Source: National Institute on Aging, U.S. National Library of Medicine
Tinnitus, also common in older people, is the ringing, hissing, or roaring sound in the ears frequently caused by exposure to loud noise or certain medicines. Tinnitus is a symptom, not a disease, so it can accompany any type of hearing loss.
Tinnitus can also be a sign of other important health problems, such as allergies and problems in the heart and blood vessels. Tinnitus can come and go, or it can persist or stop altogether.
Source: National Institute on Aging, U.S. National Library of Medicine
