{"id":91,"date":"2019-05-17T21:47:13","date_gmt":"2019-05-17T21:47:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fueldev.site\/~acnw\/hearing-loss\/hearing-protection\/"},"modified":"2020-10-29T21:18:31","modified_gmt":"2020-10-29T21:18:31","slug":"hearing-protection","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/audiologycenternw.com\/hearing-loss\/hearing-protection\/","title":{"rendered":"Hearing Protection"},"content":{"rendered":"<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\r\n{\r\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\r\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\r\n  \"mainEntity\": [{\r\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n    \"name\": \"How can I protect my hearing from loud noises? \",\r\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\r\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\r\n      \"text\": \"Wear hearing protection when exposed to loud noise. Earplugs are a must in noisy environments such as rock concerts and sporting events. They should also be worn when riding a motorcycle or snowmobile, mowing the lawn, using power tools, etc. If your job exposes you to loud noise, your employer is required by OSHA to supply hearing protection. Turn down the volume. When listening to music or watching television, keep the volume low. Limit the number of noisy appliances running at the same time. Buy quieter products. Many appliances list dB ratings in their specifications.  \r\n\"\r\n    }\r\n  }, {\r\n \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n    \"name\": \"How can I prevent disease-related hearing loss?\",\r\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\r\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\r\n      \"text\": \"Some diseases can cause hearing loss. Viruses that might damage hearing include measles, mumps, whooping cough and rubella. Bacterial diseases such as meningitis and syphilis can also lead to hearing damage. Acoustic neuroma \u2013 tumors on the hearing nerve (usually benign) \u2013 may contribute to hearing loss. Tips for preventing hearing loss from disease include: Make sure your child is vaccinated. Immunizations offer protection from many childhood infections that can cause hearing damage. \r\nIf you are sexually active, use protection to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, some of which can cause hearing loss. Don\u2019t delay seeking medical attention should you fall ill.\"\r\n    }\r\n  }, {\r\n\r\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n    \"name\": \"How can I protect my hearing from ototoxic drugs?\",\r\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\r\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\r\n      \"text\": \"Some drugs cause damage to the sensory cells responsible for hearing. These include certain antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, salicylate pain relievers (e.g., aspirin), quinine (for treating malaria) and diuretics. In order to reduce your odds of hearing loss when taking medications, follow these tips: Take medications only as directed. If you experience symptoms of hearing loss such as tinnitus while taking new drugs, see your doctor immediately. \r\n\"\r\n    }\r\n  }, {\r\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n    \"name\": \"How can I prevent ear injuries?\",\r\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\r\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\r\n      \"text\": \"Head trauma can damage the temporal bones in the lower lateral walls of the skull, leading to hearing loss. To help prevent this type of injury, take the following precautions: Wear a seatbelt at all times when in a car. Wear a helmet when riding a bike or motorcycle, and participating in contact sports.Don\u2019t take unnecessary risks, such as standing on the top rung of a ladder. There are other general steps you can take to protect your hearing. Refrain from inserting foreign objects in the ears; these can lead to impacted earwax, a perforated eardrum or damage to the skin. Cotton swabs and safety pins are notorious offenders. Use swim plugs when engaging in water activities and be sure to dry your ears thoroughly after swimming or bathing. Seek prompt medical attention if you are suffering from an ear infection.\"\r\n    }\r\n }, {\r\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n    \"name\": \"What are custom earmolds?\",\r\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\r\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\r\n      \"text\": \"Custom earmolds are made from impressions of your ear canal and concha (the outer bowl-shaped portion of your ear). They adhere perfectly to the contours of your ears, providing superior fit and protection. Doctors, nurses, pilots, news reporters, musicians, swimmers, racecar drivers, hunters, concertgoers and construction workers are just some of the individuals who can benefit from custom molds.\"\r\n    }\r\n }, {\r\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n    \"name\": \"What are swimmer\u2019s plugs?\",\r\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\r\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\r\n      \"text\": \"Swimmer\u2019s plugs protect the ears by preventing water from entering the ear canals. They are made of waterproof silicone that blocks the opening of the ear canal, providing a tight seal that keeps out water. Swimmer\u2019s plugs are great for swimmers, surfers, rafters and snorkelers, and can be used to keep the ears dry when showering or bathing, as well.\"\r\n    }\r\n }, {\r\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n    \"name\": \"What is are hunter\u2019s plugs?\",\r\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\r\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\r\n      \"text\": \"Hunters, law enforcement officials and gun enthusiasts are at risk for hearing loss every time they squeeze their triggers. A single gunshot can cause permanent, irreversible hearing loss. Specially designed hunter\u2019s earplugs utilize acoustic filters that amplify ambient noise, allowing the user to hear his or her surroundings better; when the weapon is fired, these filters soften the sound to protect hearing.\"\r\n}\r\n  }]\r\n  }\r\n<\/script>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>We are all exposed to noise on a daily basis. While the volume levels can vary, most easily exceed 85 decibels (dB) \u2013 the threshold that is considered safe. Any prolonged exposure to noise exceeding this is harmful and can cause permanent, irreversible hearing loss.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>It may come as a surprise that exposure to excessive noise is not the only cause of hearing loss.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Diseases, drugs and injury may all contribute. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your hearing and help prevent hearing impairment.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Protection from Ototoxic Drugs<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Some drugs cause damage to the sensory cells responsible for hearing. These include certain antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, salicylate pain relievers (e.g., aspirin), quinine (for treating malaria) and diuretics. In order to reduce your odds of hearing loss when taking medications, only take medications as directed. If you experience <a href=\"https:\/\/audiologycenternw.com\/hearing-loss\/\" title=\"Hearing loss | Audiology Center Northwest\">symptoms of hearing loss<\/a> or tinnitus while taking new drugs, see your doctor immediately.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Preventing Ear Injuries<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Head trauma can damage the temporal bones in the lower lateral walls of the skull, leading to hearing loss. To help prevent this type of injury, take the following precautions:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Wear a seat belt at all times when in a car.<\/li>\r\n<li>Wear a helmet when riding a bike or motorcycle, and participating in contact sports.<\/li>\r\n<li>Don\u2019t take unnecessary risks, such as standing on the top rung of a ladder.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Protecting Your Hearing from Loud Noise<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"854\" src=\"https:\/\/audiologycenternw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/iStock-836140256-1280x854.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-435\" srcset=\"https:\/\/audiologycenternw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/iStock-836140256-1280x854.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/audiologycenternw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/iStock-836140256-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/audiologycenternw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/iStock-836140256.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nidcd.nih.gov\/health\/noise-induced-hearing-loss\" title=\" Noise Induced Hearing Loss | NIDCD\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Noise-induced hearing loss<\/a> is the most common cause of hearing loss in the U.S. The good news? It is easily preventable. Follow these tips to protect your hearing:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Wear hearing protection when exposed to loud noise.<\/li>\r\n<li>If you are regularly exposed to loud noise consider custom hearing protection. We offer a selection of <a href=\"https:\/\/audiologycenternw.com\/hearing-loss\/custom-earplugs\/\" title=\"Custome Earplugs\">custom earplugs and musician plugs<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n<li>Turn down the volume.<\/li>\r\n<li>Limit the number of noisy appliances running at the same time.<\/li>\r\n<li>Buy quieter products. Many appliances list dB ratings in their specifications.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>There are also some general steps you can take to protect your hearing. Refrain from inserting foreign objects in the ears; these can lead to impacted earwax, a perforated eardrum or damage to the skin. Cotton swabs and safety pins are notorious offenders. Use swim plugs when engaging in water activities and be sure to dry your ears thoroughly after swimming or bathing. Seek prompt medical attention if you are suffering from an ear infection.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sudden Deafness<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>For most people who experience hearing loss, the condition comes on gradually over a period of years. In rare cases, an abrupt loss of hearing occurs with little or no warning. This condition, known as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nidcd.nih.gov\/health\/sudden-deafness\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Sudden Deafness | NIDCD\">sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL)<\/a>, is defined as a hearing reduction of 30 dB or greater over three contiguous frequencies, occurring over a period of 72 hours or less.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Ninety percent of cases result in unilateral (single-sided) hearing loss, which may be accompanied by dizziness or tinnitus.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>The severity of the hearing loss varies. Some patients recover completely and without medical intervention in just a few days. Others find their symptoms improve gradually over a couple of weeks. Fifteen percent of those who experience sudden deafness will have hearing loss that worsens over time.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Causes Sudden Deafness?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>There are over 100 possible causes for SSHL. These include infectious diseases, head trauma, abnormal tissue growth, circulatory problems, neurologic disorders, toxic causes, immunologic diseases, inner ear problems such as Meniere\u2019s disease and ototoxic medications.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Certain groups of antibiotics, in particular, have been shown to destroy the hair cells of the cochlea, causing sudden deafness that is often permanent in nature. These must be used with extreme caution and should be avoided unless they are the only viable course of treatment for a life-threatening illness. Be sure to question your physician or clinic thoroughly when antibiotics are prescribed.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Risk factors for SSHL include a prior diagnosis of meningitis, a recent head injury, ear infection, exposure to loud noise, a sudden change in pressure and starting a new medication.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Are the Symptoms of Sudden Deafness?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Symptoms that often precede or accompany sudden deafness include:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Tinnitus (ringing in the ears).<\/li>\r\n<li>Vertigo or dizziness.<\/li>\r\n<li>Fullness in the ear.<\/li>\r\n<li>A sudden loud \u201cpop\u201d in the ear, similar to what you\u2019d experience with a change in pressure.<\/li>\r\n<li>Muffled hearing upon wakening or when trying to use the telephone.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Is Sudden Deafness Treated?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>If you experience any of these symptoms, see an otolaryngologist immediately. Doctors believe that prompt medical attention offers the best chances for a full recovery. Do not delay \u2013 your hearing depends upon it.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Treatment varies and will depend upon the cause (if known). Steroids, which reduce inflammation and swelling and aid the body in fighting illness, are the most common treatment method for sudden deafness.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\n<p>Call <span class=\"company-name \">Audiology Center Northwest<\/span> at <a href=\"tel:+15032321845\" class=\"phone \"> <span class=\"phNum\">(503) 232-1845<\/span><\/a> for more information or to schedule an appointment.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We are all exposed to noise on a daily basis. While the volume levels can vary, most easily exceed 85 decibels (dB) \u2013 the threshold that is considered safe. Any prolonged exposure to noise exceeding this is harmful and can cause permanent, irreversible hearing loss. It may come as a surprise that exposure to excessive&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":77,"menu_order":4,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"(503) 232-1845 | Any prolonged exposure to noise can cause permanent, irreversible hearing loss. Learn how to protect yourself.","_seopress_robots_index":"","schema":"<!-- Single Service schema markup - add to page content  -->\r\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\r\n{\r\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\/\",\r\n  \"@type\": \"Service\",\r\n  \"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.audiologycenternw.com\/#organization\",\r\n  \"serviceType\": \"Audiology\",\r\n  \"description\": \"We are all exposed to noise on a daily basis. 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