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Preventing hearing loss

Why is it important to look after your hearing?

Hearing loss means that some sounds can't be heard. People with mild hearing loss may miss only soft sounds; for those with more severe hearing loss, many sounds may be inaudible. The inability to hear sounds loudly enough is only one of the problems associated with hearing loss. There are other effects of hearing loss which can interfere with listening and communication:

  • Loud sounds may cause discomfort (reduced dynamic range)
  • Particular speech sounds might not be audible (e.g. high-pitched sounds like "s" or "f") making it harder to understand conversations
  • Listening in background noise might be difficult (difficulty separating sounds)
  • It may be hard to know where sounds are coming from

Our hearing ability can affect our quality of life

Hearing difficulties can result in social difficulties or loss of confidence. Difficulties with conversation can leave us feeling embarrassed or left out, or withdrawing from social occasions.

With a hearing loss, listening can be tiring.

Hearing loss can also make it difficult to hear important sounds in the environment, the telephone, doorbell, television, or important warnings sounds (e.g. traffic approaching, smoke alarms etc).

Why is noise hazardous to hearing?

The hearing system is complex and delicate. The inner part of the ear (or cochlea) contains fluid, and thousands of tiny hair-like cells. Loud noise can damage these sensitive structures, leading to hearing loss that is irreversible.

Loud sound does not have to be physically painful to cause hearing damage. If you are in a situation in which you need to raise your voice to be understood, then the noise is probably too loud. Damage to hearing from noise accumulates, just as the sun can gradually damage our skin. The higher the level of sound and the longer the exposure, the more damage likely to occur.

Protecting your hearing

  • Avoid loud sounds and noise if you can.
  • Sudden, very intense sounds (e.g, gunshots) are particularly dangerous and can cause immediate, permanent hearing loss.
  • If you attend loud music events (clubs, gigs, rock concerts), use hearing protection (such as earplugs). Special earplugs can be made for musicians that protect the hearing while preserving the sound quality of the music.
  • Limit the time in very noisy places, and take regular breaks in quieter areas.
  • If you use a personal stereo, set the volume at a moderate level. Avoid turning up the level of your personal stereo to try and drown out other background noise.
  • Be aware that your risk increases if you are occupationally exposed to solvents or toxins or if you are taking certain drugs.
  • Talk to your occupational health and safety officer about making your workplace quieter. Remember, it is an employer's responsibility to provide a safe work environment.
  • If you cannot avoid loud sound, then you should protect your ears with earplugs or ear muffs. Balls of cottonwool or paper tissue offer little protection.
  • You should give your ears frequent rest from noise.

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