5 Ways To Protect Your Hearing

The most common cause of permanent hearing loss is exposure to excessive noise. Exposure to hazardous noise is also one of the leading causes of occupational illnesses in the US. Working at a job with repeated exposure to loud machinery can cause irreversible hearing damage. Excessive noise damages the tiny hair cells in the ear causing permanent hearing loss. The good news is that about one-third of permanent hearing loss is preventable utilizing just a few prevention strategies.

1. Wear Hearing Protection – Wear earplugs or earmuffs when you know there is a potential risk of being exposed to excessive noise.

2. Ask Your Employer About Potential Hazards – Factory, construction and heavy industry workers as well as military personnel, miners, police officers and musicians are at a much great risk of exposure to hazardous noise. Ask your employer for specialized hearing protection suitable for your job and about what safety measures in place to limit employee’s exposure.

3. Be Aware of Potentially Hazardous Situations – Concerts, Dance Clubs, Fireworks, NASCAR Races, Shooting Ranges, Powerboats and Snowmobiles are just a few recreational activities that are associated with exceptionally loud noises. Position yourself away from loud speakers etc and plan ahead and bring earplugs.

4. Keep Your Listening Levels Low – Turn the volume down when listening to your Ipod or other personal devices. Monitor your children’s listening levels as well. Use high quality earphones that block outside noises so you can keep the volume lower.

5. Test Your Hearing – Have your hearing checked yearly to detect potential hearing loss and monitor it to see if it is getting worse. You can do this from home with a simple technique we can teach you, or you can schedule an appointment with one of our specialists to diagnose and treat any symptoms you may have as a result of sudden or prolonged exposure to loud noises.

To learn more about our audiology/hearing testing or to schedule an appointment call Odalys Alfonso at (954) 389-1414 or fill the short form below.