Hearing loss can be a confusing experience that leaves you feeling discouraged, frustrated and isolated. October is Audiology Awareness Month, which means now is a great time to learn about life changes that can help make for a better tomorrow.
Audiologists, including the experts at Hearing Services of Santa Barbara, can help identify hearing problems and recommend a treatment solution for you or your family member. There are some simple steps you can take to limit your risk of hearing loss, and they’re easier than you might think.
Use Protective Equipment When Possible
Experts at John Hopkins Medicine recommend that you wear some form of hearing protection in the following situations:
- Rock concerts or any type of loud performance
- Construction sites
- Noisy workplaces
- Airports or train and bus stations
- Lawn mowing or leaf blowing
- Auto racing
- Hunting or shooting
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires workplaces that meet certain noise volume and work time requirements to provide proper earplugs and other forms of hearing protection on site. If you need a new pair of earplugs for personal use, look no further than your local music shop.
Avoid Uncomfortable and Dangerous Sounds
When you don’t have or can’t use earplugs, it might be best to avoid any dangerous or uncomfortable sounds altogether. In terms of the science, it all depends on the decibels, or how intense the sound is.
For example, the sound of leaves blowing around is a mere 20 decibels, while the sounds of the freeway can easily exceed 70 decibels. A passing ambulance siren is nearly double the sound of the freeway alone, exceeding 130 decibels. Sounds above 120 decibels can cause immediate damage to your hearing.
Make Plans With Your Audiologist
Naturally, one of the best things you can do to protect your hearing is to schedule a hearing test, get acquainted with an audiologist and keep up with your appointments. If it’s your first time having your hearing tested, ask your current physician about working regular testing into your routine physical exam.
To learn more about hearing protection or to schedule an appointment with an audiologist, call Hearing Services of Santa Barbara today.
