|
DID YOU KNOW?
-
People of all ages struggle with hearing loss, and it’s the 3rd most common chronic health condition in the United States.
- Only 20% of people who could benefit from a hearing aid actually use one.
- People with hearing loss wait an average of 7 years before seeking help to treat their hearing loss.
- Hearing loss doesn’t just affect your hearing! Hearing loss, especially untreated hearing loss, is associated with a higher risk of depression, social isolation, falls, and cognitive decline.
HEARING CONSERVATION
According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, about 70% of people exposed to loud noise never or seldom wear hearing protection.
- Hearing loss from loud noise can be prevented! Use earplugs when in noisy environments. These can be purchased at drug stores or you can have them custom-made for your ears by an audiologist at CHS.
- Keep the volume down in your headphones. Many smartphones can be set to limit volume output.
- Have an annual hearing test at CHS.
HOW CAN YOU TELL IF YOUR ENVIRONMENT
IS TOO LOUD?
There are apps for your phone (such as the NIOSH Sound Level Meter) that will assess surrounding sound levels and provide noise exposure parameters to help you determine if you need to wear hearing protection. Even if you already have some hearing loss, you should aim to preserve the hearing you still have. Additionally, noise damage can lead to other issues like tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
| 
