Hearing loss is sometimes caused by natural processes such as birth defects and illness, but most forms of hearing loss are completely preventable simply by taking just a few common-sense preventive measures.
Most people lose some or all of their ability to hear certain sounds and frequencies due to prolonged exposure to loud noises such as music, small gasoline powered engines, industrial equipment and the like. Others suffer permanent hearing loss after having their inner ears damaged as the result of an accident. There isn’t a whole lot that can be done to prevent hearing loss from accidents, but the simple act of wearing hearing protective gear such as earplugs or noise reducing ear muffs while in the vicinity of loud noises can help prevent the most common types of deafness.
And now a special alert: These days far too many teenagers are permanently damaging their hearing by listening to loud music on iPods and other music players. While wearing earplugs while listening to music isn’t all that practical, turning down the volume is! Yes, that thumping bass and those loud guitar riffs might sound great today, but if you aren’t careful you just might have trouble hearing them at all before too long!
In summary, to protect yourself from hearing loss always be sure to wear hearing protection when in a loud environment. And if you enjoy listening to music, TURN DOWN THE VOLUME! You’ll thank yourself later when your hearing is just fine while your friends are walking around saying “What?” all day long.
About the author: Janice Miller is an entrepreneur and proud mother of five children and seven grandchildren. She is on a never-ending crusade to help others prevent the sort of hearing loss that she has struggled with throughout her entire adult life.