What is your favorite sound — is it the laughter of loved ones, the clink of silverware and plates that signals dinner is almost ready, or rain falling on the roof?
No matter what sounds you like best, even a slight hearing loss can impact your enjoyment of the world around you and hamper your ability to communicate with others. While some degree of hearing loss is normal as you age, you can take steps to safeguard your hearing.
Cover Your Ears
When exposed to sounds that are too loud for too long, sensitive structures inside the ear can be damaged.
According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), the hearing of 10 million Americans has already been permanently damaged by noise, and as many as 50 million more are exposed daily to hazardous noise levels.
To prevent noise-induced hearing loss, wear ear protection in noisy environments. Choose soft, disposable foam ear plugs that conform to the inner contours of the ear, or consider noise-blocking earmuffs that completely cover the ear.
Turn Down the Volume
Use caution when listening to music, especially when using ear bud-style headphones. Because ear buds do not block outside sounds, users tend to turn up music volume past the point where hearing damage can occur. At concerts and other places where you cannot control the volume, stay at least 10 feet away from audio speakers, or move as far away from the source as possible when music becomes too loud.
Get Checked
According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, adults should receive a hearing screening every 10 years until age 50 and every three years thereafter, or any time you have concerns about your hearing ability.
Find yourself missing important parts of the conversation? Talk with your doctor about your hearing. Need a doctor? Gateway Medical Group is here to help. Our convenient family practice locations welcome new patients. Give us a call at 931-502-3800 or visit GatewayMedicalGroup.com. Same- and next-day appointments are often available. Patients of all ages welcome! We accept most insurance plans including Medicare and Medicaid.
This publication in no way seeks to diagnose or treat illness or to serve as a substitute for professional medical care.