Reduce your risk of severe hearing loss

Courtesy Metro Creative
Mar 2, 2016
Mar 2, 2016
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Earbuds — Overuse of earbuds could be putting you at greater risk of hearing loss.
Courtesy Metro Creative

Though it’s difficult for many people to imagine living in a world in which their hearing has been compromised, hearing loss is a significant medical issue that affects millions of people across the globe.

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, among adults ages 65 and older in the U.S., 12.3 percent of men and nearly 14 percent of women are affected by tinnitus, a ringing or buzzing in the ears that can be intermittent or continuous and can vary in loudness. Some are quick to assume hearing loss is a natural side effect of aging, and while the relationship between age and hearing loss is strong, there are steps to protect and maintain hearing well into the golden years.

Limit workplace exposure to noise. Overexposure to noise while on the job is a leading cause of severe hearing loss, yet millions of people encounter hazardous levels of noise during a typical workday. For example, mechanics are routinely exposed to loud noise from power tools or motor vehicle engines. This does not mean mechanics should take up a new trade, but they should approach the workday with a goal of protecting their hearing. Mechanics and other professionals who are routinely exposed to workplace noise can wear protectors that cover their ears or earplugs that reduce the impact of noise on their ears.