It's Easy and Inexpensive to Protect Your Hearing, Says ASHA
ROCKVILLE, MD, June 24,
2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- As people across the
country prepare for their July 4th
celebrations, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
(ASHA) is raising awareness about a commonly overlooked
Independence Day health hazard: hearing loss.
Fireworks and firecrackers can register 150 decibels at 3 feet
away—well beyond the safe listening volume of 75–80 decibels. Noise
at this level can cause permanent damage in less than 1 second,
something for families to understand as they make their holiday
plans.
"Noise-induced hearing loss is irreversible, but fortunately,
it's also preventable," said Tena
McNamara, AuD, CCC-A/SLP, 2024 ASHA President. "Awareness of
the risks that fireworks and other loud noises pose to our hearing,
and taking a few very easy steps, are key to protecting ourselves
and our loved ones."
ASHA shares these tips to prevent permanent hearing damage:
1. Wear hearing protection. Foam ear
plugs available online or in a drugstore are highly effective at
dampening noise to a safe level for most adults and teens. Younger
kids should wear well-fitting, child-sized ear muffs. "Basic
earplugs can cost pennies per pair, but the reward they provide in
the form of protecting our hearing is priceless," McNamara
says.
2. Maintain a safe distance. Stand at least
500 feet away from noise sources such as a fireworks launch site or
a speaker. "The farther away you are, the safer your ears will be,"
according to McNamara.
3. Heed noise warnings. Many smartphones and
smartwatches will automatically alert you when you are in a
location loud enough to cause hearing damage. If not, you can
download a free sound-level meter app to your phone.
4. Take listening breaks. If you are in a
noisy place for a long period of time, step out regularly (at least
once per hour) to give your ears a rest. "Even a few minutes can
give your ears an opportunity to recover," says McNamara.
5. Listen to your body. If you are
experiencing any pain, ringing in your ears, or changes in your
hearing, leave the area immediately. If symptoms persist into the
next day, visit an audiologist for a hearing evaluation.
"We want people to have fun this July
4th, but to do so with their hearing in mind," said
McNamara. "If you want to continue to experience the many life
pleasures that your hearing affords you—from the music you enjoy to
the voices of those you love—make the effort to protect it."
For more information and tips, visit
http://www.asha.org/public.
About the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
(ASHA)
ASHA is the national professional, scientific, and credentialing
association for 234,000 members, certificate holders, and
affiliates who are audiologists; speech-language pathologists;
speech, language, and hearing scientists; audiology and
speech-language pathology assistants; and students. Audiologists
specialize in preventing and assessing hearing and balance
disorders as well as providing audiologic treatment, including
hearing aids. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) identify, assess,
and treat speech, language, and swallowing disorders.
http://www.asha.org
Media Contact
Francine Pierson, ASHA,
301-296-8715, fpierson@asha.org, https://www.asha.org
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SOURCE ASHA