Hearing Loss is Far More Common Than You Know
Hearing loss is much more common than you probably know. In fact, it most often comes on so gradually that it is nearly impossible to notice even when it is happening to you yourself. This is why most of the time people rely on their friends or loved ones to point out to them that they are noticing the symptoms. Why are you asking me to repeat myself so often? Why are you watching the television so loudly?
When it is pointed out to them, it is also very common for someone who is newly experiencing these symptoms to minimize the severity of the situation. All kinds of reasons might motivate someone to do this. Simple denial is real and powerful. No one wants to admit that they are aging or that their health is diminishing. And many people are likely to hold onto old fashioned stereotypes, not through any fault of their own, but only because they have not been paying attention. Probably because they were lucky enough to think that it would be someone else’s problem. It would never happen to them. Hearing loss represented all kinds of stigmas that they did not want to associate with.
And this is why it is also so common for people to delay treatment. They think hearing loss is just a minor inconvenience that they can adapt to. And getting help means admitting it is real. But the consequences of blowing off appropriate treatment are bleak.
Let’s look at the facts. Almost 14% of everyone in The United States aged 18 and above suffered from some degree of detectable hearing loss. That is around 45 million people. And though it is true—and shocking—that over half of everyone aged 75 and above suffers from hearing loss, less than one-third of everyone with hearing loss is a senior aged 65 and above. It can happen to you, any age, any walk of life. Intervention at the earliest onset of symptoms is key to taking control of it.
Everyday Sounds That Can Cause Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can be the tragic result of a single exposure to 120 decibels, a loud explosion for example. Prolonged exposure to any sounds 85 decibels or louder without proper hearing protection can also cause permanent and irreversible damage. Doctors recommend you keep away from anything above 75 decibels and doing this usually happens pretty instinctively.
For a little context about what these various sound levels mean, 60 decibels is about the common average of a normal conversation. Garbage trucks, motorcycles, and jackhammers are likely to measure between 85-100 decibels. Over 100 dB, 110-140 decibels is the volume of rock concerts, jet engines, and firecrackers.
We are frequently exposed to potentially dangerous sound levels in situations that are common. But just because these situations are normalized does not mean that they are any less dangerous. And remember, the louder the volume, the shorter the exposure is necessary to create real harm.
Live Athletic Events
Concerts likely come as no surprise, but consider the persistent roar of an excited crowd at sporting events. They often reach 90-140 decibels and fans rarely wear hearing protection.
Gas-powered lawn equipment
Lawnmowers and leaf-blowers hit 80 to 100 decibels. In a misguided attempt to drown out this noise, many people listen to headphones, but turning them up so loudly only compounds the danger.
Shooting Ranges
Gunshots reach 140-175 decibels. Standing too closely to a single blast can cause tinnitus or permanent hearing loss. Habitual exposure can be equally dangerous.
Home Repairs
Tools commonly used in home repairs range from 90 to 112 decibels. With habitual exposure shop vacs, sanders, and table saws will cause hearing damage. Circular saws are so extremely loud that 60 seconds of exposure without proper protection is long enough to cause permanent damage.
Motorcycles and boats
Motorcycles and boats engines are 95 to 100 decibels on their own before even accounting for the rush of the wind at high speeds.
The Gym
Fitness classes are often very loud, 80 to 116 decibels, to get people excited. Many people do the same thing when working out on their own, cranking their headphones or earbuds up all the way to 100 dB.
Now that you can recognize the hidden risks that these everyday noises can pose, you can take appropriate action today to guard yourself.