| Hearing loss, which was once associated with the | | | | severe loss and profound loss. A hearing test can |
| elderly, is becoming a prevalent problem in youngsters | | | | determine the degree of hearing loss you have. |
| and baby boomers. Exposure to loud music for | | | | Here are some tips for preventing hearing loss. |
| extended period of time tops the list of noise induced | | | | 1. Most people turn up the volume on their television or |
| hearing loss. | | | | radio in an attempt to drown out other noises. We live |
| There are 3 types of hearing loss, categorized by the | | | | in a noisy environment. If you turn up the volume to the |
| part of the auditory system that is affected. | | | | extent that you can no longer hear outside noises it is |
| Conductive hearing loss occurs when sounds are not | | | | probably too loud. If others can hear the sound from |
| properly conducted through the ear. This type of loss | | | | your earbuds or headphones, it means the volume is |
| is characterized by a general reduction in sound level | | | | too high. |
| or the inability to hear faint sounds. It is often caused | | | | 2. Ear bud headphones have been found to be more |
| by a blockage in the ear, such as wax. Other causes | | | | damaging than over-the-ear style headphone. Ear buds |
| can be an ear infection or allergy that stops sounds | | | | creates more impact as they are closer to the inner |
| from traveling properly in the middle ear. | | | | ear. The advantage of over-the-ear style headphones |
| Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when there is | | | | is that they have noise cancellation that eliminates |
| damage to the middle ear or the nerve pathways of | | | | background noise without having to turn up the volume. |
| the ear. Age and exposure to loud noises are some of | | | | 3. Reduce exposure time to loud noises. This includes |
| the factors that contribute to this type of hearing loss. | | | | all types of noise such as lawn mowers, food mixers, |
| Mixed hearing loss is a combination of conductive and | | | | hair dryer and the like. |
| sensorineural hearing losses, which occurs when there | | | | 4. Use ear protection such as ear plugs or ear muffs |
| is damage to both the inner and outer ear areas. This | | | | wherever exposed to dangerous noise levels, be it at |
| type of hearing loss can be prevented. | | | | home, at work and at play. |
| The degree of hearing loss refers to the thresholds at | | | | 5. As a parent, teach your child to listen to music or |
| which soft noises can be heard. There are 5 main | | | | television at a safe level. |
| categories: normal loss, mild loss, moderate loss, | | | | |