“To hear for life, listen with care”
Hearing is one of the most important human senses. It helps us stay connected with our family, friends, colleagues, and the surrounding environment. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that currently over 1.5 billion people in the world experience some form of hearing difficulty. This number could grow if measures are not taken to prevent hearing loss, many common causes of hearing loss can be prevented, while any detected hearing loss can be managed with minimum impact on a person’s lifestyle. On the other hand, undetected or untreated hearing loss can negatively affect a person’s development, communication, education, and social interactions.
Exposure to extremely loud noises is identified as a leading cause of hearing loss. Sound levels are measured by a unit called the decibel (dB). Our normal conversational speech measures about 60 dB. Sounds above 80 dB can be harmful, in that single exposure to a very loud sound can damage a person’s hearing immediately, whereas repeated exposure to loud noises even below 80 dB can damage a person’s hearing over time.
Examples of loud noises that can damage hearing include firecrackers, music from your smartphone or personal listening device played close to the maximum volume, lawnmowers, hairdryers, drilling and construction noise, etc.
A key component of hearing loss prevention is to promote safe listening habits in our dayto- day lives. Here are some ways we can protect ourselves from harmful sounds.
Turn down the volume of the TV, radio, or music devices
Take listening breaks at regular points if you are listening to loud music Maintain and repair tools and machinery to prevent unnecessary noise Move or stay as far away as possible from loud noises Use earplugs and earmuffs if loud noises cannot be avoided Limit the duration of exposure to loud noises Listening with care is important to maintain good hearing and maintain a good quality of life from birth to old age. Therefore, it is important to spread the word to everyone we know if we are to see positive changes in people’s attitudes and behaviors towards safe listening.
Good hearing is important for sound communication at all stages of life. So let’s encourage those who are at risk of hearing loss, to undergo a simple test more regularly.
The Ratmalana Audiology Centre (RAC) is well equipped with state-of-the-art testing laboratories and equipment and an experienced professional team of clinicians, we provide hearing tests and other services for people of all age groups (newborns to adults).
Connect with us today for information and appointments regarding Hearing, Speech and Special Education on 0773945945 or for FREE online pre-screening log on to www.giftofsound.lk