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Hearing Conservation or Protection We
live in a noisy environment. Noise in the work place at home and work
not only affects our ability to hear, but also affects our sense of well
being. Noise, even if it is not enough to cause hearing loss can cause
stress and high blood pressure.
We always hear people complain about the noise
those young kids are exposed to at rock concerts. Well, that's not all,
and we are being exposed at ALL AGES!
How about those who are in the housekeeping
industry and often use a vacuum cleaner, or those in the hair salon with
blow dryers? Other sources are noise damage comes from: motorcycles and
wind noise; ATVs, airplanes, and power boats; electric power tools and
loud kitchen utensils (margarita anyone?); iPods and MP3 players use;
live concerts, music in bars, and band in the high schools; loud
speakers in cars; shooting a gun (even once without protection, and
other loud impact noise like hammer on metal, or staple gun for
shingling, etc.
- 10
million Americans have already suffered
irreversible hearing damage from noise;
- 30
million are exposed to dangerous noise
levels each day.
- The
effects of noise on hearing are often
underestimated because the damage takes
place so gradually.
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Occupations excessively exposed to noise:
Farmers, landscapers, hair stylists, pilots,
flight attendants, construction workers, factory workers, musicians,
sounds technician's (studio or live), etc.
Signs of excessive noise exposure
- Ringing in your ears right after loud
exposure
- Sense of fullness in your ears
- People and sounds are muffled
Often these are signs of temporary noise
exposure and your ears may recover. Over years of exposure, temporary
hearing losses become permanent.
Table of permissible noise exposures
| Duration per day, hours |
Sound level dBA slow response |
| 8 |
90 dB |
| 6 |
92 dB |
| 4 |
95 dB |
| 3 |
97 dB |
| 2 |
100 dB |
| 1 1/2 |
102 dB |
| 1 |
105 dB |
| 1/2 |
110 dB |
| 1/4 hour or
less |
115 dB |
Hearing Protection Devices
- Ear muffs
- Noise canceling head phones
- 15 and 25 dB filtered musician ear plugs
- Pilots molds
- Defend ears ear plugs
- Noise cancellation devices for hunters
with custom ear molds
- Custom ear pieces coupled to iPods, MP3
players and cell phone headsets reduces background noise and allows
you to lower the volume
Custom earmolds are available through
Westone and
Sensaphonics
Hearing loss is a silent disease. It often
happens slowly without you realizing it. Many times it can be prevented
by understanding what kind of noise can damage your ears, what are the
loudness levels and the length of time you can be exposed before damage
occurs. Patients are counseled regarding the types of devices available
to prevent damage.
Links:
H.E.A.R. - information for musicians -
www.hearnet.com |
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