Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can occur gradually over time and is quite common through the aging process. Hearing loss can also happen more drastically due to damage or disease.

Professionals recommend several actions that can be taken in order to minimize the risk of hearing loss. When performing outdoor activities that are loud, such as using a chainsaw, lawn mower or other motorized equipment, wear earplugs that are appropriately rated. If you work in a noisy environment, ask your employer about providing earplugs and noise testing. There are a variety of molded earplugs and earmuffs that can be used in a work environment. Finally, it is also important, especially when working or playing around noise, to have your hearing checked annually.MayoClinic: Hearing Loss Prevention

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have hearing loss, please consult your doctor.

• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA): The Prevalence and Incidence of Hearing...
  • The number of Americans with hearing loss has doubled over the past 30 years. Data gleaned from Federal surveys illustrate the following trend of prevalence for individuals aged three years or older: 13.2 million (1971), 14.2 million (1977), 20.3 million (1991), and 24.2 million (1993)...
• Nation Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICDC): Deafness and Hearing Loss Fact Sheet
• World Health Organization (WHO): Deafness and Hearing Impairment
• NIDCD: The Noise in your Ears: Facts about Tinnitus
• Wikipedia: Hearing Impairment
• KidsHealth: What's Hearing Loss?
• MedlinePlus: Medical Encyclopedia: Hearing Loss | Age-Related Hearing Loss

• JAMA Search: Hearing Loss