As the sounds of Independence Day fade, it’s an excellent time to remind everyone to be proactive when guarding your hearing. We all love loud concerts, loud cars, loud movies, and increasingly, loud iPods and MP3 players. Our office is seeing more and more young (read: teens) with evidence of noise induced hearing loss. You can witness the injury occurring daily just by watching people use these electronic wonders all around you.
Both the loudness of the sound, and the time of exposure can be damaging, but are not the same for all people. Either way, once the injury to the nerve happens, there is no way to recover that hearing. This should be impressed upon the younger generation, sooner rather than later.
Some basic tips for using iPods and MP3 players:
1. If it has a way to limit the loudness, engage it!
2. If headphones are being used, and someone close by can hear the music, it’s too loud!
3. Stop using headphones immediately if ringing, buzzing, or other noises develop.
4. Seek the attention of our office if the hearing between sides seems different or changes.
5. Make an appointment if loud noises begin to cause dizziness or nausea.
6. If exposed to any planned loud noise, use hearing protection!
