Most people associate hearing loss with aging. Therefore, it is likely that you think you won't have to worry about hearing loss until you get older. However, new research suggests that hearing loss is beginning to affect adolescents. Read on to learn more about this research and how you can protect your child's hearing as well as your own:
Research Proves That Hearing Loss Is More Prevalent in the Young Today
Information published in the Journal of the American Medical Association says that individuals between the age of 12 to 19 have experienced an increase in hearing loss incidents. Reports of hearing loss for this particular age group increase from roughly 15 percent between 1988 and 1994 to nearly 20 percent between 2005 and 2006.
3 Ways to Help Protect Your Hearing
Although hearing loss is becoming more common in adolescents, it doesn't mean that adults should not worry about their own hearing. There are a number of ways that you can protect your hearing as well as your child's hearing. Here are three:
1. Wear Ear Plugs
When you are going to be in an environment with a lot of noise that is at extremely high decibels, then you should wear ear plugs or ear muffs. These will help insulate your ears against the noise. The longer you are in this type of environment, the more likely you are to suffer extensive hearing damage.
When you are at a concert or other large event, you should stay away from the speakers and amplifiers to help protect your hearing.
2. Take Breaks Every 15 Minutes
If you plan to be exposed to noises of 100 decibels or more for an extended period of time, it is important to take breaks every 15 minutes. Otherwise, you will be at risk for losing your hearing over time.
3. Eat Healthy and Exercise Regularly
Research has suggested that your risk of hearing loss may directly related to your weight. A Harvard study examined over 68,000 women for two decades and found that one in six of them suffered hearing loss over that time.
When compared to normal-weight women, women with a BMI between 30 and 39 were as much as 22 percent more likely to suffer hearing loss. Women with a BMI over 40 were roughly 25 percent more at risk than a woman of average weight.
For more ways to protect your hearing, consult with your doctor. The best way to decrease your risk of hearing loss as well as your child's risk is to take precautions, including those mentioned above. If you do suffer from hearing loss, you may want to consider a hearing aid. With new advances in technology, you can have a listening device without anyone even knowing it.
For more help, contact a company like Suburban Hearing Services for more information and help.
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