Every October, the American Academy of Audiology celebrates Audiology Awareness Month by spotlighting the importance of protecting your hearing health. While you’re enjoying the fall weather, carving pumpkins and finding the perfect Halloween costume, take some time to learn a little bit about potential sources of hearing damage and how you can protect against them.
What Can Damage My Hearing?
While many associate hearing loss with the aging process, it’s not solely a result of getting older. Other factors that can damage your hearing include:
- Loud noise exposure. Noise-induced hearing loss is more common than you might think. According to the World Health Organization, about 5% of the global population lives with some degree of noise-induced hearing loss. Prolonged exposure to sounds above 85 decibels (dB) or short bursts of noise over 120 dB can lead to permanent hearing damage.
- Physical injury. Head trauma, especially in contact sports, can cause serious ear injuries. A strong impact to the side of your head can fracture the tiny bones in your middle ear, leading to hearing loss.
- Infection. Certain viral and bacterial infections can lead to hearing loss if not treated promptly. Viral infections like cytomegalovirus (CMV), rubella, measles and mumps, and bacterial infections like meningitis and labyrinthitis, can cause permanent hearing damage when left untreated.
How Can I Protect My Hearing?
Taking proactive steps now can help you preserve your hearing and ensure you can enjoy your favorite sounds for years to come. A few ways you can help reduce your likelihood of hearing loss include:
- Reduce exposure to loud noises. A great way to protect your ears is to set an 80 dB limit on devices like smartphones, tablets and TVs. Opting for over-the-ear, noise-canceling headphones is also wise. They block external noise, allowing you to listen at lower volumes than traditional earbuds. When it’s not possible to control the volume, like when you’re at sports events, construction sites and concerts at The Hum, hearing protection is your best friend. Consider using earplugs or earmuffs to help reduce the risk of noise-induced hearing damage.
- Wear a helmet for ear safety. While you can’t prevent every injury, wearing a helmet during activities like biking, skateboarding or contact sports can minimize the risk of head and ear trauma.
- Treat infections early to prevent hearing loss. To lower your risk of infection-induced hearing loss, ensure you and your family are up to date on vaccinations for preventable illnesses. If you notice symptoms of infection, seek medical care promptly.
Make Hearing Health a Priority
This Audiology Awareness Month, take a moment to prioritize your hearing health. Incorporate these healthy hearing habits into your daily routine and consider scheduling a hearing test with Carolina Ear Nose & Throat – Sinus and Allergy Center today.