Today’s Parent Tip of the Week is brought to
you by Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center
According to the National Center of Disease Statistics, 5.2 million children between the ages of 6-19 years have hearing loss directly related to noise exposure. Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent – but preventable.
- Noise is one of the leading causes of hearing loss
- Continuous exposure to noise can lead to physiological changes in blood pressure, sleep, digestion, and other stress-related disorders
- Noise-induced hearing loss typically occurs gradually and without pain
- Continued exposure to noise above 85 decibels will eventually harm one’s hearing
- In general, the louder the sound, the less time required before damage occurs
What is Noise?
Although the definition of “noise” may be interpreted on a personal basis, it can be described simply as unwanted sound. Unwanted sound, or noise, can result in hearing loss, which is known as noise-induced hearing loss. Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) can be instantaneous and caused by just one single exposure to a very loud sound (like a firecracker or gunshot). NIHL also can be caused by cumulative exposure to loud sounds which gradually build over time to cause the hearing loss. So, even though hearing loss due to loud sound may not always be evident immediately, NIHL may be present later, in teenagers or adulthood. Any reduction in the overall lifetime noise “dose” will be good for hearing in later years.
During “Protect Your Hearing Month” in October, Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center offers Sound Choices, a hearing conservation program for kids & teens.
