Aging affects us all--and it is also the most common cause of adult hearing loss. This type of hearing loss is called presbycusis and can begin as early as age 35.
Presbycusis is permanent damage to the sensory cells in the inner ear. This damage is caused by natural aging.
Presbycusis affects one in four people over 65.
Loss caused by Noise | When the Danger Starts | Warning Signs | Do you have hearing loss? | Help for Hearing Loss
Signs of Presbycusis
- a gradual loss of hearing which may not be noticed at first
- speech may be hard to understand and may sound like mumbling
- higher-pitched sounds may not be heard
- listening to others is difficult in a noisy background
- family members may be the first to notice a hearing problem
Noise Hearing Loss
Hearing loss caused by damage to the inner ear due to exposure to loud sounds is increasing dramatically. The damage is showing up earlier with many people now experiencing significant hearing loss in their 30’s and 40’s. Recently children as young as six years of age have been identified with noise induced hearing loss. What is most alarming is that this type of hearing loss is preventable! Everyone is at risk in today's society. Protect your hearing now before it is too late. Turn down the volume, reduce exposure time to loud sounds and wear hearing protection!
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When Does the Danger Start?
The loudness or volume intensity of sound is measured in decibels (dB). The quietest sounds which can be heard by someone with normal hearing are at 0 dB. Average conversation ranges between 40 and 60 dB. For most people, sound becomes painful around 126dB. Damage to hearing begins with sounds of 85 dB. Occupational health and safety laws indicate that the maximum exposure time without hearing protection for sounds of 85 dB is eight hours. For each 5 dB increase in the volume, the permissible exposure time is cut in half. There are industry laws and if anything, most hearing professionals would agree that these levels are still too high for safety and prevention of hearing loss.
Warning Signs of Damage Due To Loud Exposure:
- Ringing or buzzing in the ears(tinitis)
- Slight muffling of sounds
- Difficulty in understanding speech
- Difficulty in understanding conversations in group or background noise
If you experience any of these warning signs, do not wait, see an audiologist for a complete hearing test.
Did you know that there are specialized types of hearing protection for musicians? Many musicians are now begining to speak out against hearing loss and the steps to protect their careers.
Do You Have a Hearing Loss?
Are you aware that one in ten Canadians has a hearing loss? Do you recognize any of the following statements to be true to you:
- Sometimes I have difficulty hearing or understanding others when talking to them on the telephone.
- I listen to the television or radio at a level which is sometimes louder than the rest of my family find comfortable.
- I have difficulty understanding conversation when I am in a group or in a noisy room.
- I have been exposed to noise on a regular basis and I have not always used hearing protection.
- I enjoy recreational activities which are often loud, such as riding a snowmobile, listening to loud music, shooting rifles, using power tools, etc.
- I find that many people mumble, or do not speak clearly enough when they are talking to me.
- I often find myself asking people to repeat themselves because I cannot understand what they are saying, even though I can hear them.
- Friends or family members have told me that they think I should have my hearing checked, or that my hearing isn't what it used to be.
- I find myself not doing some of the things that I used to enjoy because I can no longer hear well enough to understand what is going on.
- I often have trouble hearing common sounds such as the doorbell or the telephone ring.
If you recognize two or more of the above statements, you may have a hearing loss. It is recommended that you have your hearing tested by an Audiologist.
Help for Hearing Loss...
Hearing aids make sounds louder and are often helpful for those with hearing loss. An Audiologist can prescribe hearing aids and/or other listening devices. Also, try these tips to make communication easier...
1. Make sure you have a clear view of a person's face while he or she is speaking to you.
- stay within 6 feet
- face each other
- stay in a well-lit room
2. When in a group, sit close to the main speaker.
3. Eliminate background noise.
- turn off the radio
- turn off the television
- choose a quiet room
4. Explain your hearing loss and suggest solutions.
- ask the speaker to face you
- ask the speaker to repeat or rephrase the sentence
Remember, hearing loss is invisible. Others probably don't know that you can't hear them. Let them know!
Links to more information
An Audiologist can help with hearing loss!
If you have questions about...
- hearing loss
- noise
- hearing tests
- hearing aids
- Audiology in Northwestern Ontario
Contact the Thunder Bay District Health Unit, Audiology Program, at 625-5900, or your local branch office of the Thunder Bay District Health Unit.
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