Department of Otolaryngology / Head and Neck Surgery
Noise and Hearing Loss
Hearing loss caused by noise is a major health concern in the United States and the rest of the world. It is no secret that we live in a society where noise is everywhere. Unfortunately, the long-term effect of noise exposure can be hearing loss. Hearing loss may cause difficulty with jobs, families and social situations in general. This kind of hearing loss sort of sneaks up on you. You don’t realize how seriously you have been injured until years after the exposure.
The good news is that noise-induced hearing loss is preventable. Avoiding noisy situations is the best protection. If it cannot be avoided, simply wearing ear plugs or muffs can significantly reduce your chances of hearing loss.
Tinnitus (hyperlink to tinnitus page) is one of the first signs of hearing loss. If you have developed tinnitus, or just think your hearing has dropped, you should have your hearing tested.
For more information see;
National Institutes of Health
American Academy of Otolaryngology
HEAR (Hearing Education and Awareness for Rockers)