A practical, excerpted review of the most-common threats to people’s hearing
From an excerpt from the new book, The Consumer Handbook on Hearing Loss and Noise by Brian Fligor, ScD, as presented in the Hearing Review, May, 2010.
Firearms: A most common cause of recreation noise-induced hearing loss.
Woodworking: Power tools are frequently a source of noise levels great enough to cause hearing loss. Tools such as chain saws, circular saws, bench top planers, miter saws and routers often exceed safe sound levels, unless hearing protection is worn.
Motor Sports and Sporting Events: Motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, NASCAR and drag racing can have a toll on your hearing.
The occasional use on the weekends for a total of a few hours per week will likely have limited impact on a person’s hearing, but, nonetheless, does contribute to the lifetime wear-and-tear on the ear. For those people who ride a four-wheeler daily, for instance, the total sound exposure may be significant.
However, awareness should be paid to prevention and protection, given the significant exposures that are possible; it’s not inconceivable that a permanent hearing loss could occur after a single event.
Noisy Toys: In 2003 a maximum sound level for toys was proposed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). The standard recommends that the maximum sound level for a toy should be no more than 90 decibels at arms length and 70 decibels close to the ear. Parents should consider purchasing toys that meet the ASTM (2003) standard
Preventive Measures: If you are exposed to loud sounds, preventive measures to limit noise exposure is important. Noise induced hearing loss, though it usually develops slowly, is permanent. Prevention is the key. Hearing protection devices (HPDs) are available in over-the-counter foam earplugs or earmuffs. HPDs also are available in custom ear molds.
Take responsibility for the well-being of your hearing. Have your hearing checked to establish a baseline. Discuss with your hearing care professional the situations where you are exposed to excessive noise and the options to protect your hearing.
This is a good article to read more completely. To read more see A practical review of the most-common threats to people’s hearing
Tags: noise, hearing loss, woodworking, firearms, concerts, hearing protection devices, NASCAR, drag racing
