SERTOMA SAFEEARS© . . . to hear the future | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
An estimated 30 million Americans are regularly exposed to noise that can result in preventable hearing loss, and 10 million Americans have permanently damaged their hearing. Many everyday activities are more harmful to our hearing than most people realize. How do we know when a noise is so loud it’s harmful? What can we do to protect our hearing and keep our ears safe? Find out by reviewing these hearing facts presented by Brainerd Area Sertoma Club as part of their commitment to the SAFEEARS project.
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HEARING FACTS Did you know? Hearing is a series of events in which the ear converts sound waves into electrical signals and causes nerve impul When an individual is exposed to harmful sounds—sounds that are too loud or loud sounds over a long period of time—sensitive structures of the ear can be damaged, causing noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Noise-induced hearing loss can result from one-time exposure to a loud sound or from repeated exposure to harmful sounds over an extended period of time.An estimated 30 million Americans are regularly exposed to noise that can result in hearing loss, and 10 million Americans have permanently damaged their hearing. |
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How Loud is Too Loud? The pressure of sound is measured in decibels (dB). The decibel measure was developed to compare sound intensities.The loudness of sound is measured in decibel units. Sound levels louder than 85 dB can damage the ears. |
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The decibel table shows some common sounds and how they rank in potential harm to hearing: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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How Can I Prevent NIHL?
Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is 100 percent preventable.
• Be aware. Be cautious. And be well informed!
• Consider these three things about sound:
1. How loud.
2. How long.
3. How close.
• Respond to loud sounds:
Turn down the volume. Use hearing protection and/or walk away.
Looking for more information about SAFEEars or Noise-Induced Hearing Loss at home? Contact our Club President.
Purchasing hearing protection can help keep your ears safe. Follow this link if you’d like to shop for hearing protection online.