You Missed International Noise Awareness Day!
Editor: Actually, so did I! I knew about it in advance because of the
following press release. So I read my local newspaper and the hearing
loss email lists especially closely, because I wanted to see what clever
ideas people had to spread the word about noise induced hearing loss (NIHL).
It is, after all, one of the major causes of hearing loss. Sadly, I
didn't see a single article or activity, other than the following press
release. :-(
I've been expressing the idea that members of the oral hearing loss (OHL)
community need to become more proactive in advocating for themselves.
One way to do that is to promote events related to hearing loss. The
Deaf community has done a wonderful job of advocating for itself. One
result is that Deaf Awareness Day (and the Deaf community) gets LOTS of
media attention every September.
But don't abandon all hope! May is Better Hearing Month, and that
usually does get a bit of attention. It's not too late for your group to
organize a Hearing Loss Awareness Day event next month, contact your
local paper and TV station for free publicity, and help to spread the
word.
Here's the press release from the House Ear Institute.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NOISY ACTIVITIES MAY POSE RISK FOR HEARING LOSS
Recent Studies Confirm Potential Harmful Effects of Noise on Hearing
LOS ANGELES - April 18, 2005 - A growing number of Americans suffer
from noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) due to dangerous noise levels in
the environment. International Noise Awareness Day (April 20) and May,
which is Better Hearing Month, alert the public to the risk of noisy
activities. Hearing health experts at the House Ear Institute (HEI)
caution that sounds at or above 85 decibels (dB) may cause permanent
hearing loss with prolonged exposure. How loud is too loud?
"In general, if you have to raise your voice to be heard, the
environment may be too loud for your ears," said researcher Sig
Soli, Ph.D., House Ear Institute. "And the louder the sound, the
less time it takes before your hearing will be affected. Just 15 minutes
at a rock concert can subject you to 100 decibels or more of damaging
sound - the maximum duration of safe daily exposure for that sound
level. Cranking up the volume too high on a stereo or headset can pose a
similar risk."
With prolonged exposure, many routine activities such as mowing the
lawn, blow-drying your hair, and frequenting nightclubs or loud sports
events may pose a risk. HEI experts urge people to wear earplugs when
participating in noisy activities. The duration of sound exposure,
repeated exposure, intensity of the sound signal, and individual
susceptibility can all contribute to your risk for noise-induced hearing
loss.
"You can reduce your risk for permanent noise-related hearing
loss by avoiding noisy settings, wearing earplugs, or taking 15-minute
quiet breaks every few hours," said research audiologist Rachel
Cruz, M.A., CCC-A, FAAA, House Ear Institute. "For example, if
you're attending a nightclub, step outside for a while to give your ears
a rest. And, if your ears are buzzing or you notice that sounds seem
temporarily muffled or distorted, it's probably time to call it a
night."
Contact: Christa Spieth Nuber
Media Relations & Communications
House Ear Institute
(213) 273-8027
newsmedia@hei.org
