Video gaming is popular the world over, but a recent study shows that gamers may be putting their hearing at risk. Here are some tips to help gamers reduce the risk of hearing loss while enjoying the game. If you play video games, or you have kids or grandkids who do, you may want to listen up! According to a … Read More
Preventing Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
We’re exposed to loud noises every day, but when those noises are extremely loud, or we’re exposed to them over and over, they can cause what’s called noise-induced hearing loss. Now a new study sheds light on the role of zinc in NIHL, and possible ways to prevent it. It’s one of the most common causes of hearing loss—exposure to … Read More
New Study Finds People Living in Rural Areas at Greater Risk of Hearing Loss
A new study has identified those who live in rural America at higher risk for hearing loss. Why? Probably because many in these areas work in industries that consistently expose them to loud noises, like agriculture, making prevention the best course of action. A study recently published in the journal Lancet Regional Health-Americas, is one of the first to estimate … Read More
Hearing Loss in the Workplace
Is having a disability a barrier to employment, and more specifically, what is the impact of occupational hearing loss in the workplace? According to a newly released report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), individuals with disabilities face significant employment barriers when compared to their non-disabled counterparts. Primary barriers identified include non-inclusive hiring practices, limited training opportunities, … Read More
Hearing Protection a Must Around Fireworks
With the pandemic in 2020 and 2021 causing concerns about crowds gathering and the spread of the respiratory virus, many Fourth of July celebrations were canceled or individuals stayed away in 2020 and 2021. But this year, with transmission rates low and the desire to return to pre-pandemic fun high, many people will be joining the celebrations again. That means … Read More
How Loud is that Sound?
According to the World Health Organization, environmental noise is now being acknowledged as an important public health issue and a top environmental risk faced by the world today. One of the casualties of the noisy world we live in is noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). NIHL can be caused by a one-time exposure to an intense “impulse” sound, such as an … Read More
Are you wearing hearing protection at work?
According to a new study from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), over half of noise-exposed workers didn’t use hearing protection “always” or “usually” when exposed to hazardous occupational noise. Hearing protection device (HPD) non-use was only measured in workers who reported exposure to noise on the job. This study was published online in the American Journal … Read More
How to Prevent Hearing Loss
Return to Normal Means Return to Noise There just might be one thing you haven’t missed that much since the pandemic began—noise. Before the nationwide shutdown in March 2020, America was one noisy place, emersed in the constant hum of traffic and machinery 24/7. But when the pandemic hit and everyone was sent home to quarantine, it was surprising how … Read More
How to Protect Your Hearing AND Enjoy Summer Activities
For most of us, it’s been a couple of years since we experienced the sounds of summer concerts, fireworks displays or even swimming in the community pool. But as COVID-19 restrictions ease and more people become vaccinated, summer activities are returning to our schedules. Be sure to continue all safety recommendations, including mask wearing, social distancing and hand sanitizing. And … Read More
