Hearing Loss Terminology

If you work in a noisy environment or know someone who suffers from hearing loss, you may need to know these terms common in hearing loss prevention. Basic terminology: Acoustic trauma is a single incident that causes a sudden hearing loss. Examples of acoustic trauma are blows to the head and loud explosions. Decibel ( dB ) is the unit that expresses the intensity of a sound. The threshold for discomfort is between 85 and 95 dB and the threshold for pain is between 120 and 140 dB. A dosimeter measures sound levels over a specified interval. Hertz ( Hz … Continue reading →

Choosing Ear Protection

If you work in a loud environment, you have many options for protecting your ears. Why protect your ears? Prolonged exposure to loud noise can damage hair cells in your ears, leading to permanent hearing loss. You may have to try several different types of ear protection until you find one that is comfortable enough to wear for the length of your work shift. Expandable foam plugs are made from a formable material. You can roll the plugs into a small cylinder, then insert them into your ear canals. The foam will expand into the shape of your ear. People … Continue reading →

Facts About Adult Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is a problem that can be prevented! Almost half of adults in the United States believe they have suffered some hearing loss; a third of people between the ages of eighteen and thirty feel that they have already lost some of their hearing. Work-related hearing loss is one of the most common occupational diseases in this country. More than thirty million Americans are exposed to hazardous noise at the workplace, resulting in permanent hearing loss for more than ten million workers. But the workplace isn’t the only place for unsafe noise levels. Your vacuum cleaner and lawn mower … Continue reading →