House Ear Institute Warns Public Of Impact Of Noise On Hearing

(CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — A new study by scientists at the House Ear Institute confirms the impact of noise on the hearing of audio professionals, musicians and the general public.

Statistics gathered from thousands of hearing tests conducted on people working in the music and sound industries indicate that repeated exposure to high levels of sound results in marked high-frequency hearing loss that is uniquely characteristic of noise-induced inner ear damage.

These statistics have implications for the general population, who may be exposed to environmental noises on a daily basis that exceed the 85-decibel range and can contribute to hearing loss over time. Some noise sources that may present a risk for noise-induced hearing loss with regular exposure include recreational activities such as rock concerts or sporting events, shooting firearms, listening to personal and car stereos at excessive levels, operating power tools and yard maintenance equipment, using blow dryers/hair dryers and commuter noise (train/car/bus).

The House Ear Institute (HEI) researchers emphasize that noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is the one type of hearing loss that is preventable and encourage everyone to carry earplugs and wear hearing protection in noisy environments. They also encourage everyone to reduce volume levels on stereos, remove yourself from the source of sound whenever possible and get a hearing test from a licensed audiologist. — Bob Grossweiner and Jane Cohen