Studies show that hearing loss can
affect anyone at any age, regardless of his/her background or
occupation. According to the CDC, Impairments in hearing can happen
in either frequency or intensity, or both. Hearing loss severity is
based on how well a person can hear the frequencies or intensities
most often associated with speech. Severity can be described as mild,
moderate, severe, or profound. The term “deaf” is sometimes used to
describe someone who has an approximately 90 dB or greater hearing
loss or who cannot use hearing to process speech and language
information, even with the use of hearing aids. The term “hard of
hearing” is sometimes used to describe people who have a less severe
hearing loss than deafness.
Intensity, or
loudness, is measured in decibels (dB). A person with hearing within
the normal range can hear sounds ranging from 0 to 140 dB. A whisper
is around 30 dB. Conversations are usually 45 to 50 dB. Sounds that
are louder than 90 dB can be uncomfortable to hear. A loud rock
concert might be as loud as 110 dB. Sounds that are 120 dB or louder
can be painful and can result in temporary or permanent hearing loss.
Hearing loss can affect one or both ears. A loss that affects one ear
is called a unilateral loss. A loss that affects both ears is called a
bilateral loss.
There are four main types of hearing loss:
· Conductive:
Hearing loss caused by a problem in the outer ear or middle ear.
Conductive losses usually affect all frequencies to the same degree.
These losses are not usually severe.
· Sensorineural:
Hearing loss caused by a problem in the inner ear or auditory nerve. A
sensorineural loss often affects a person’s ability to hear some
frequencies more than others. This means that sounds may be appear
distorted, even with the use of a hearing aid. Sensorineural losses
can range from mild to profound.
· Mixed:
A combination of conductive and sensorineural losses.
· Central:
Hearing loss caused by a problem along the pathway from the inner ear
to the auditory region of the brain or in the brain itself.
Reference: CDC website
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/dd/hi2.htm
Date: October 29, 2004
Content source: National Center on Birth
Defects and Developmental Disabilities |
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One-third of hearing
loss is preventable by wearing hearing protection. There are many ways
to prevent hearing loss from overtaking your life. Knowledge is key to
understanding hearing loss and preventing it. Here are some helpful
tips to prevent a noise-induced hearing loss from occurring or getting
worse.
• Wear
earplugs/ear muffs when exposed to noisy activities for any given time
period. People who operate equipment such as mowers, heavy equipment,
chainsaws should wear earplugs/muffs. These devices are usually found
at a local pharmacy or general store.
• Do not listen to radios or televisions at a loud level.
• Listening to pc, telephones, etc at a loud level can encourage or
induce the effect hearing loss.
Which
protective device is right for you?
Expandable
foam plugs
These plugs are made of a formable material designed to expand and
conform to the shape of each person's ear canal. Roll the expandable
plugs into a thin, crease-free cylinder. Whether you roll plugs with
thumb and fingers or across your palm doesn't matter. What's critical
is the final result—a smooth tube thin enough so that about half the
length will fit easily into your ear canal. Some individuals,
especially women with small ear canals, have difficulty rolling
typical plugs small enough to make them fit. A few manufacturers now
offer a small size expandable plug.
Pre-molded, reusable plugs
Pre-molded plugs are made from silicone, plastic or rubber and are
manufactured as either “one-size-fits-most” or are available in
several sizes. Many pre-molded plugs are available in sizes for small,
medium or large ear canals.
A critical tip
about pre-molded plugs is that a person may need a different size plug
for each ear. The plugs should seal the ear canal without being
uncomfortable. This takes trial and error of the various sizes.
Directions for fitting each model of pre-molded plug may differ
slightly depending on how many flanges they have and how the tip is
shaped. Insert this type of plug by reaching over your head with one
hand to pull up on your ear. Then use your other hand to insert the
plug with a gentle rocking motion until you have sealed the ear canal.
Advantages of
pre-molded plugs are that they are relatively inexpensive, reusable,
washable, convenient to carry, and come in a variety of sizes. Nearly
everyone can find a plug that will be comfortable and effective. In
dirty or dusty environments, you don't need to handle or roll the
tips.
Canal caps
Canal caps often resemble earplugs on a flexible plastic or metal
band. The earplug tips of a canal cap may be a formable or pre-molded
material. Some have headbands that can be worn over the head, behind
the neck or under the chin. Newer models have jointed bands increasing
the ability to properly seal the earplug.
The main
advantage canal caps offer is convenience. When it's quiet, employees
can leave the band hanging around their necks. They can quickly insert
the plug tips when hazardous noise starts again. Some people find the
pressure from the bands uncomfortable. Not all canal caps have tips
that adequately block all types of noise. Generally, the canal caps
tips that resemble stand-alone earplugs seem to block the most noise.
Earmuffs
Earmuffs come in many models designed to fit most people. They work to
block out noise by completely covering the outer ear. Muffs can be
"low profile" with small ear cups or large to hold extra materials for
use in extreme noise. Some muffs also include electronic components to
help users communicate or to block impulsive noises.
Workers who have
heavy beards or sideburns or who wear glasses may find it difficult to
get good protection from earmuffs. The hair and the temples of the
glasses break the seal that the earmuff cushions make around the ear.
For these workers, earplugs are best. Other potential drawbacks of
earmuffs are that some people feel they can be hot and heavy in some
environments.
Reference: Choose
The Hearing Protection That's Right For You
- by Carol Merry Stephenson, Ph.D.
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/
noise/abouthlp/chooseprotection.
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