Help your Hearing Last a Lifetime

Recent research as reported in the Journal of American Medical Association found that hearing loss among teenagers is on the rise by 31%.  As you all know, good hearing is essential for clear speaking and hazardous noise can be avoided.

Most of us think of frequent, sustained use of and excessive loudness with earphones as the culprit for hearing problems and research is suggesting that this is true.  But there are other items in our immediate environment that also can be avoided.  For example, did you know that several things can be done to absorb noise in the workplace like putting leafy shrubs outside in front of office windows and using carpets and drapes instead of hardwood floors or tiles? If there are noisy appliances or machines in the office, put them on top of mats or enclose them. Next time you need office equipment, make it a priority to buy quiet models and if something needs to be replaced, use plastic parts. Finally, if noisy equipment is in close proximity to where you sit, ask to have your desk/office moved farther away or use ear protection.

(From: “Noise and You” a Scriptographic Booklet by Channing L. Bette Co., Inc.)

If you suspect you have a hearing loss, schedule an appointment with an audiologist.  For more information about hearing loss, hearing aids, or referral to an ASHA-certified audiologist, contact the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association:  1-800-638-8255 (Voice or TTY)