It's a known fact that over 30 million Americans have some type of hearing loss. According to the office of Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), another 30 million are at risk due to hazardous noise levels in their everyday lives!

Good hearing health is critical for an overall sense of well-being. It impacts the quality of life, communication abilities and connectedness to a world filled with sound. Noise-induced hearing loss is a leading cause of permanent sensorineural hearing loss, yet it can be prevented with proper education and listening habits.

Avada is pleased to offer these Steps to Protect Your Hearing to help you conserve your hearing and enjoy life to its fullest.

Steps to Protect Your Hearing

• Understand that hearing loss is not just another part of growing older. It affects all ages. In fact, 1 in every 5 individuals diagnosed each year, are under the age of 21.
• Use noise protection, even around the house. According to a government survey*, 1 in every 3 Americans, regularly uses potentially damaging noisy equipment inside and outside their home.
• Don't let your job cost you your hearing. If you work where excessive noise is present, ask your employer about wearing hearing protection and offering hearing conservation programs. By the age of 25, the average carpenter has the same hearing as someone over 50 who works in a more quiet environment.
• Know how quickly noise can damage your hearing. Sound loudness is measured in decibels (dB). Normal conversation is 55 - 60 dB. Exposure to noise greater than 85 dB can cause permanent hearing loss in just 8 hours!
• Protect the hearing you have left. Even if you think you already have diminished hearing, do what you can to protect what hearing still remains. Failing to do so, can affect job productivity and damage relationships with family and friends.
• Get your hearing tested, annually. Only 1 in 3* Americans report having their hearing assessed in the last 3 years. Hearing conservation experts agree that your hearing should be tested at least once a year.
• Make sure your test is conducted by a fully qualified hearing healthcare professional. Half of those surveyed*, said they did not know where to receive the best possible care.
  
  *OSHA Healthstyles Survey, 1998

An annual hearing test performed by a licensed hearing healthcare provider is the best way to monitor personal hearing health. If you are exposed to high levels of sound on a regular basis, you should schedule a hearing assessment at least once a year. A hearing health specialist can help identify changes in your hearing ability and provide consultation and recommendations.

If you would like to schedule a free hearing screening and private consultation with an Avada hearing specialist, click here.