The Signal

New Research: 20% of People in their 20s Have Hearing Loss

- DR. KEVIN BOLDER AUD, Audiology Associates

Hearing loss isn’t just a condition related to age. In fact, noise-induced hearing loss is a pervasive—yet often overlooked — condition among adults in the United States.

A recent study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention shows how prevalent noise-induced hearing loss is within different age groups. It was discovered that 19.2% of people aged 20-29 and 27.3% of people aged 50-59 had some form of noise-induced hearing loss. It was also more common in men than women.

This rate of noise-induced hearing loss can be explained by multiple factors, including workplace exposure, loud environmen­ts such as concerts or sporting events, and the use of headphones. Hearing damage can occur after being exposed to noise 85 decibels or higher (that’s about the decibel level of a lawn mower.) To protect yourself, it is important to limit the volume on your devices and wear earplugs/ earmuffs when necessary.

Among all the factors that can cause hearing loss, noise is the most common and also the easiest to correct for young and middle aged adults. In addition to hearing loss, chronic exposure to noise can cause increased stress, anxiety, depression, blood pressure, heart disease incidence, distractib­ility, annoyance, tinnitus, hyperacusi­s, and other health problems.

The good news is that if you are experienci­ng hearing loss, hearing aids can help no matter your age. In fact, today’s hearing aids are made to be smaller, more sleek, and compatible with your smartphone. Most people won’t even know you’re wearing them!

The best thing you can do to make sure you are maintainin­g your overall health and wellbeing is receive regular hearing screenings in addition to your other doctor visits.

To schedule a hearing evaluation today, please call Audiology Associates at (661) 2841900. Kevin Bolder, AU.D and John Davis, AUD are two of the best in Santa Clarita and San Fernando Valley. Visit our website at www. Audiologya­ssociates.net or stop by our office located at 25425 Orchard Village Road, Ste 220, Santa Clarita, CA 91355.

We are hearing healthcare excellence!

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United States