Concern is growing about the rising exposure to loud sounds in recreational settings such as nightclubs, discotheques, pubs, bars, cinemas, concerts, sporting events and even fitness classes. With the popularization of technology, devices such as music players are often listened to at unsafe volumes and for prolonged periods of time. Regular participation in such activities poses a serious threat of irreversible hearing loss.
Any sound that is undesirable or unwanted may be defined as noise. Noise is a result of human activity from road vehicles, air traffic and railways, work processes, and personal activities.
Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) has been a perennial occupational hazard in the workplace. This is truly evident in the mining professions. This presentation covers details about hearing loss, its causes and tools developed to educate the workforce regarding its existence.
Hearing loss is a sudden or gradual decrease in how well you can hear. It is one of the most common conditions affecting older and elderly adults. Approximately one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss and nearly half of those older than 75 have difficulty hearing.
Here get the information about hearing loss and the reasons of hearing loss. Know about the signs and common causes of hearing loss along with the information about hearing loss prevention.
Any sound that is undesirable or unwanted may be defined as noise. Noise is a result of human activity from road vehicles, air traffic and railways, work processes, and personal activities.
Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) has been a perennial occupational hazard in the workplace. This is truly evident in the mining professions. This presentation covers details about hearing loss, its causes and tools developed to educate the workforce regarding its existence.
Hearing loss is a sudden or gradual decrease in how well you can hear. It is one of the most common conditions affecting older and elderly adults. Approximately one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss and nearly half of those older than 75 have difficulty hearing.
Here get the information about hearing loss and the reasons of hearing loss. Know about the signs and common causes of hearing loss along with the information about hearing loss prevention.
A hearing aid is a device designed to boost hearing. It is a small electronic instrument that you wear in or behind the ear.people wear these in their ear during hearing loss. They used this device to boost the quality of sound. This mechanism is very helpful for people with hearing loss. They have easily communicated with other people, easily recognize the every type of sound.
For more information please visit here : https://www.hearingsol.com/hearing-aids/
Hearing loss
Synonyms Hard of hearing; anakusis or anacusis is total deafness[1]
A stylized white ear, with two white bars surrounding it, on a blue background.
The international symbol of deafness and hearing loss
Specialty Otorhinolaryngology, audiology
Complications Loneliness[2]
Types Conductive, Sensorineural, mixed[3]
Causes Genetics, aging, exposure to noise, some infections, birth complications, trauma to the ear, certain medications or toxins[2]
Prevention Immunization, proper care around pregnancy, avoiding loud noise, avoiding certain medications[2]
Treatment Hearing aids, sign language, cochlear implants, subtitles[2]
Frequency 1.33 billion / 18.5% (2015)[4]
Hearing loss, also known as hearing impairment, is a partial or total inability to hear.[5] A deaf person has little to no hearing.[2] Hearing loss may occur in one or both ears
Hearing loss is deafness. in heraing loss people cannot communicate. specially loud sound effect hearing loss.Hearing impairment doesn’t essentially mean a whole inability to listen to hearing loss doest mean people are totally deaf. For More information visit :- https://www.allindiaevent.com/the-major-things-any-parents-should-know-the-hearing-loss-treatment-in-children/
Hearing loss | Cause of hearing loss | Symptoms | Hearingsolskyadavseo76
When you hearing less, you become a victim of hearing loss. Hearing loss you can have many reasons like an ear infection, ear damage and loudly sound.The most common categories of hearing loss are-( mild hearing loss, moderate hearing loss, severe hearing loss, profound hearing loss). https://www.hearingsol.com/help/hearing-loss/
Are you having the perception of auditory sensation in the absence of any external stimulation or other sounds, chances are you are more likely suffering from Tinnitus.
Hearing Impairment is an inability to hear the sound.It may occur in one ear or both the ears.It may be permanent or temporary.In this ppt, we will identify the causes, symptoms, types of hearing loss and many more.
Deafness being an invisible disability is often not understood or given proper attention. One tends to underestimate the gravity of the situation since one does not see any physical manifestation of disability at a glance, thereby creating barriers, specifically in a deaf person's educational growth.
Here is a bit about Hearing Disability in very simple terms to help you understand their world.
Psychological Affects of Hearing Loss in Teensschleefy
Understanding the causes of hearing loss is therefore important, but perhaps more important is understanding the psychological effects this can have on a teen. Only with a firm grasp of how hearing loss affects identity, social interaction and emotional well being can parents, teachers, speech therapists, psychologists and others hope to help teens adjust to their circumstances. Published by Ann Steele, MFT, http://mastersinpsychologyguide.com/reports/PsychologicalAffectsOfHearlingLossInTeens.pdf
palestra realizada durante workshop do projeto Embonecando São Bento, na cidade de São Bento do Sapucaí, em 09 de setembro de 2016. A proposta foi apresentar aos participantes [artesãos, agentes, animadores e gestores culturais] o que vem a ser empreendedorismo, como podemos aplicar em nossa vida profissional, pessoal e com vistas a empreender ações voltadas ao desenvolvimento turístico local.
A hearing aid is a device designed to boost hearing. It is a small electronic instrument that you wear in or behind the ear.people wear these in their ear during hearing loss. They used this device to boost the quality of sound. This mechanism is very helpful for people with hearing loss. They have easily communicated with other people, easily recognize the every type of sound.
For more information please visit here : https://www.hearingsol.com/hearing-aids/
Hearing loss
Synonyms Hard of hearing; anakusis or anacusis is total deafness[1]
A stylized white ear, with two white bars surrounding it, on a blue background.
The international symbol of deafness and hearing loss
Specialty Otorhinolaryngology, audiology
Complications Loneliness[2]
Types Conductive, Sensorineural, mixed[3]
Causes Genetics, aging, exposure to noise, some infections, birth complications, trauma to the ear, certain medications or toxins[2]
Prevention Immunization, proper care around pregnancy, avoiding loud noise, avoiding certain medications[2]
Treatment Hearing aids, sign language, cochlear implants, subtitles[2]
Frequency 1.33 billion / 18.5% (2015)[4]
Hearing loss, also known as hearing impairment, is a partial or total inability to hear.[5] A deaf person has little to no hearing.[2] Hearing loss may occur in one or both ears
Hearing loss is deafness. in heraing loss people cannot communicate. specially loud sound effect hearing loss.Hearing impairment doesn’t essentially mean a whole inability to listen to hearing loss doest mean people are totally deaf. For More information visit :- https://www.allindiaevent.com/the-major-things-any-parents-should-know-the-hearing-loss-treatment-in-children/
Hearing loss | Cause of hearing loss | Symptoms | Hearingsolskyadavseo76
When you hearing less, you become a victim of hearing loss. Hearing loss you can have many reasons like an ear infection, ear damage and loudly sound.The most common categories of hearing loss are-( mild hearing loss, moderate hearing loss, severe hearing loss, profound hearing loss). https://www.hearingsol.com/help/hearing-loss/
Are you having the perception of auditory sensation in the absence of any external stimulation or other sounds, chances are you are more likely suffering from Tinnitus.
Hearing Impairment is an inability to hear the sound.It may occur in one ear or both the ears.It may be permanent or temporary.In this ppt, we will identify the causes, symptoms, types of hearing loss and many more.
Deafness being an invisible disability is often not understood or given proper attention. One tends to underestimate the gravity of the situation since one does not see any physical manifestation of disability at a glance, thereby creating barriers, specifically in a deaf person's educational growth.
Here is a bit about Hearing Disability in very simple terms to help you understand their world.
Psychological Affects of Hearing Loss in Teensschleefy
Understanding the causes of hearing loss is therefore important, but perhaps more important is understanding the psychological effects this can have on a teen. Only with a firm grasp of how hearing loss affects identity, social interaction and emotional well being can parents, teachers, speech therapists, psychologists and others hope to help teens adjust to their circumstances. Published by Ann Steele, MFT, http://mastersinpsychologyguide.com/reports/PsychologicalAffectsOfHearlingLossInTeens.pdf
palestra realizada durante workshop do projeto Embonecando São Bento, na cidade de São Bento do Sapucaí, em 09 de setembro de 2016. A proposta foi apresentar aos participantes [artesãos, agentes, animadores e gestores culturais] o que vem a ser empreendedorismo, como podemos aplicar em nossa vida profissional, pessoal e com vistas a empreender ações voltadas ao desenvolvimento turístico local.
Dette er et videregående kurs i vurdering for læring som jeg har holdt for spesielt interesserte grunnskolelærere i Trondheim kommune. OBS: Det siste lysbildet (Å veilede kolleger) handler om mulige misforståelser og delforståelser om vurdering!).
How to Improve Hearing Loss Problem Right Now - Better Hearing Centers ankit kumar
As many as 10% of our Kentucky population suffers from hardness or hearing loss. A large part of this can be helped with hearing aids, provided that these problems quickly come to light and can be diagnosed. Unfortunately, this is not always the case in practice: the majority of these ten percent (up to 75%) do not test their hearing. The result is not only that the hardness or hearing loss continues to worsen, but also that the quality of life of that group is drastically reduced.
The Art of Hearing in Western Australia is an audiologists which provides ReSound Alera hearing instruments. These instruments are light, comfortable, practically invisible and are unsurpassed in providing natural sound quality. Hearing tests are designed to find out what you can and can’t hear. The Art of Hearing is offering free trials of the latest hearing aids from all leading manufacturers. Hearing aids are also available in an extensive range of colors and sizes. The Art of Hearing is one of the Perth's leading hearing aid provider, also provides free hearing aids for pensioners and veterans.
Read More at: http://www.artofhearing.com.au/hearing-aids.html
Call Avalon Hearing Aid Center Fair Oaks (916) 365-9081
www. Hearing-Aids-Fair-Oaks-CA.com
8146 Greenback Lane, Suite 100 Fair Oaks, California, 95628
Heavy equipment, noisy machinery and gunfire all take their toll on your precious sense of hearing. So can loud music, lawn mowers, leaf blowers, power tools, hair dryers and other everyday appliances. Our modern world is noisy.
Sound of Silence: The Case for Bringing Earplugs to ConcertsOla_Gualtieri
It cannot be stated enough that concertgoers and music fans alike need to use earplugs during concerts. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, repeated exposure to loud noise, such as those found in concerts and music festivals, can seriously damage one’s hearing.
About 30 million workers are exposed to hazardous noise on the job. One in 4 of these workers (or 7.5 million Americans) will develop permanent hearing loss.Noise-induced hearing loss is the most common occupational hazard for American workers.Hearing loss from noise is slow and painless; you can have a disability before you notice it.If you must raise your voice to speak with someone only 3 feet away, you are in high (hazardous) noise. It is 100% preventable
Hearing ImpairmentHearing loss is the third most prevalent c.docxpooleavelina
Hearing Impairment
Hearing loss is the third most prevalent chronic condition and the foremost communicative disorder of older adults in the United States. Hearing loss is an underrecognized public health issue. Among adults between the ages of 60 and 69 years of age, 31% have bilateral hearing loss of at least mild severity. In those older than 70 years of age, the prevalence is 63%, and in those older than age 85, the prevalence is 80%. In all age groups, men are more likely than women to be hearing impaired, and black Americans have a lower prevalence of hearing impairment than either white or Hispanic Americans (Bainbridge & Wallhagen, 2014).
Age-related hearing impairment is a complex disease caused by interactions between age-related changes (see Chapter 3), genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors.
Factors associated with hearing loss include noise exposure, ear infections, smoking, and chronic disease (e.g., diabetes, chronic kidney disease, heart disease) (Bainbridge & Wallhagen, 2014).
Hearing loss may not be an inevitable part of aging, and increased attention is being given to the links between lifestyle factors (e.g., smoking, poor nutrition, hypertension) and hearing impairment (Heine et al., 2013) (Box 19.5).
Box 19.5. Promoting Healthy Hearing
• Avoid exposure to excessively loud noises.
• Avoid cigarette smoking.
• Maintain blood pressure/cholesterol levels within normal limits.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Have hearing evaluated if any changes are noticed.
• Avoid injury with cotton-tipped applicators and other cleaning materials.
Consequences of Hearing Impairment
The broad consequences of hearing loss have functional and clinical significance and should not be viewed as something a person accepts as part of aging. Hearing loss diminishes quality of life and is associated with multiple negative outcomes, including decreased function, increased likelihood of hospitalizations, miscommunication, depression, falls, loss of self-esteem, safety risks, and cognitive decline (Bainbridge & Wallhagen, 2014; Lin et al., 2013). Growing evidence supports an association between age-related hearing loss and cognitive decline and dementia (Bainbridge & Wallhagen, 2014; Lin, 2012; Lin et al., 2013).
Hearing impairment increases feelings of isolation and may cause older adults to become suspicious or distrustful or to display feelings of paranoia. Because older persons with hearing loss may not understand or respond appropriately to conversation, they may be inappropriately diagnosed with dementia. All of these consequences of hearing impairment further increase social isolation and decrease opportunities for meaningful interaction and stimulation.
Types of Hearing Loss
The two major forms of hearing loss are conductive and sensorineural.
1. Sensorineural hearing loss results from damage to any part of the inner ear or the neural pathways to the brain. Presbycusis (also called age-related hearing impairment or ARHI) is a f ...
School-Based Hearing Guideline for The City of Davaojudarobillosnow
Physical impairment can not and should never be made a reason to undermine a person’s capabilities and/ or capacities to perform “normally” and even, excellently in his/her own field.
HeLPS – the Hearing Loss and Prosthesis Simulator – simulates the auditory communication difficulties associated with hearing loss along with the benefits provided by hearing aids and cochlear implants. HeLPS allows flexible demonstrations in several contexts: during hearing aid fitting; when counseling families of hearing-impaired and deaf persons; in hearing-conservation and public education programs; and in training audiologists and educators of the deaf.
Why Push for a School-Based Hearing Guidelinejudarobillosnow
Sufficient data is available to suggest that children with early and recurrent ear problems are at risk for developing delays in auditory, language and academic skills.
Empowering ACOs: Leveraging Quality Management Tools for MIPS and BeyondHealth Catalyst
Join us as we delve into the crucial realm of quality reporting for MSSP (Medicare Shared Savings Program) Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs).
In this session, we will explore how a robust quality management solution can empower your organization to meet regulatory requirements and improve processes for MIPS reporting and internal quality programs. Learn how our MeasureAble application enables compliance and fosters continuous improvement.
CHAPTER 1 SEMESTER V - ROLE OF PEADIATRIC NURSE.pdfSachin Sharma
Pediatric nurses play a vital role in the health and well-being of children. Their responsibilities are wide-ranging, and their objectives can be categorized into several key areas:
1. Direct Patient Care:
Objective: Provide comprehensive and compassionate care to infants, children, and adolescents in various healthcare settings (hospitals, clinics, etc.).
This includes tasks like:
Monitoring vital signs and physical condition.
Administering medications and treatments.
Performing procedures as directed by doctors.
Assisting with daily living activities (bathing, feeding).
Providing emotional support and pain management.
2. Health Promotion and Education:
Objective: Promote healthy behaviors and educate children, families, and communities about preventive healthcare.
This includes tasks like:
Administering vaccinations.
Providing education on nutrition, hygiene, and development.
Offering breastfeeding and childbirth support.
Counseling families on safety and injury prevention.
3. Collaboration and Advocacy:
Objective: Collaborate effectively with doctors, social workers, therapists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated care for children.
Objective: Advocate for the rights and best interests of their patients, especially when children cannot speak for themselves.
This includes tasks like:
Communicating effectively with healthcare teams.
Identifying and addressing potential risks to child welfare.
Educating families about their child's condition and treatment options.
4. Professional Development and Research:
Objective: Stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in pediatric healthcare through continuing education and research.
Objective: Contribute to improving the quality of care for children by participating in research initiatives.
This includes tasks like:
Attending workshops and conferences on pediatric nursing.
Participating in clinical trials related to child health.
Implementing evidence-based practices into their daily routines.
By fulfilling these objectives, pediatric nurses play a crucial role in ensuring the optimal health and well-being of children throughout all stages of their development.
For those battling kidney disease and exploring treatment options, understanding when to consider a kidney transplant is crucial. This guide aims to provide valuable insights into the circumstances under which a kidney transplant at the renowned Hiranandani Hospital may be the most appropriate course of action. By addressing the key indicators and factors involved, we hope to empower patients and their families to make informed decisions about their kidney care journey.
ICH Guidelines for Pharmacovigilance.pdfNEHA GUPTA
The "ICH Guidelines for Pharmacovigilance" PDF provides a comprehensive overview of the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) guidelines related to pharmacovigilance. These guidelines aim to ensure that drugs are safe and effective for patients by monitoring and assessing adverse effects, ensuring proper reporting systems, and improving risk management practices. The document is essential for professionals in the pharmaceutical industry, regulatory authorities, and healthcare providers, offering detailed procedures and standards for pharmacovigilance activities to enhance drug safety and protect public health.
Global launch of the Healthy Ageing and Prevention Index 2nd wave – alongside...ILC- UK
The Healthy Ageing and Prevention Index is an online tool created by ILC that ranks countries on six metrics including, life span, health span, work span, income, environmental performance, and happiness. The Index helps us understand how well countries have adapted to longevity and inform decision makers on what must be done to maximise the economic benefits that comes with living well for longer.
Alongside the 77th World Health Assembly in Geneva on 28 May 2024, we launched the second version of our Index, allowing us to track progress and give new insights into what needs to be done to keep populations healthier for longer.
The speakers included:
Professor Orazio Schillaci, Minister of Health, Italy
Dr Hans Groth, Chairman of the Board, World Demographic & Ageing Forum
Professor Ilona Kickbusch, Founder and Chair, Global Health Centre, Geneva Graduate Institute and co-chair, World Health Summit Council
Dr Natasha Azzopardi Muscat, Director, Country Health Policies and Systems Division, World Health Organisation EURO
Dr Marta Lomazzi, Executive Manager, World Federation of Public Health Associations
Dr Shyam Bishen, Head, Centre for Health and Healthcare and Member of the Executive Committee, World Economic Forum
Dr Karin Tegmark Wisell, Director General, Public Health Agency of Sweden
Health Education on prevention of hypertensionRadhika kulvi
Hypertension is a chronic condition of concern due to its role in the causation of coronary heart diseases. Hypertension is a worldwide epidemic and important risk factor for coronary artery disease, stroke and renal diseases. Blood pressure is the force exerted by the blood against the walls of the blood vessels and is sufficient to maintain tissue perfusion during activity and rest. Hypertension is sustained elevation of BP. In adults, HTN exists when systolic blood pressure is equal to or greater than 140mmHg or diastolic BP is equal to or greater than 90mmHg. The
This document is designed as an introductory to medical students,nursing students,midwives or other healthcare trainees to improve their understanding about how health system in Sri Lanka cares children health.
Medical Technology Tackles New Health Care Demand - Research Report - March 2...pchutichetpong
M Capital Group (“MCG”) predicts that with, against, despite, and even without the global pandemic, the medical technology (MedTech) industry shows signs of continuous healthy growth, driven by smaller, faster, and cheaper devices, growing demand for home-based applications, technological innovation, strategic acquisitions, investments, and SPAC listings. MCG predicts that this should reflects itself in annual growth of over 6%, well beyond 2028.
According to Chris Mouchabhani, Managing Partner at M Capital Group, “Despite all economic scenarios that one may consider, beyond overall economic shocks, medical technology should remain one of the most promising and robust sectors over the short to medium term and well beyond 2028.”
There is a movement towards home-based care for the elderly, next generation scanning and MRI devices, wearable technology, artificial intelligence incorporation, and online connectivity. Experts also see a focus on predictive, preventive, personalized, participatory, and precision medicine, with rising levels of integration of home care and technological innovation.
The average cost of treatment has been rising across the board, creating additional financial burdens to governments, healthcare providers and insurance companies. According to MCG, cost-per-inpatient-stay in the United States alone rose on average annually by over 13% between 2014 to 2021, leading MedTech to focus research efforts on optimized medical equipment at lower price points, whilst emphasizing portability and ease of use. Namely, 46% of the 1,008 medical technology companies in the 2021 MedTech Innovator (“MTI”) database are focusing on prevention, wellness, detection, or diagnosis, signaling a clear push for preventive care to also tackle costs.
In addition, there has also been a lasting impact on consumer and medical demand for home care, supported by the pandemic. Lockdowns, closure of care facilities, and healthcare systems subjected to capacity pressure, accelerated demand away from traditional inpatient care. Now, outpatient care solutions are driving industry production, with nearly 70% of recent diagnostics start-up companies producing products in areas such as ambulatory clinics, at-home care, and self-administered diagnostics.
4. 2
MAKE LISTENING SAFE
Noise-induced hearing
loss is irreversible.
Exposure to loud sounds for any length of time causes
fatigue of the ear’s sensory cells. The result is temporary
hearing loss or tinnitus (a ringing sensation in the
ear). A person enjoying a loud concert may come out
experiencing ‘muffled’ hearing or tinnitus. The hearing
improves as the sensory cells recover. When the
exposure is particularly loud, regular or prolonged, it can
cause permanent damage of the sensory cells and other
structures, resulting in irreversible hearing loss. The high-
frequency range (i.e. high-pitched sounds) is impacted
first and may not be noticeable immediately. Continued
exposure leads to progression of hearing loss, ultimately
affecting speech comprehension and having a negative
impact on the individual’s quality of life
Some people may be more susceptible to noise-induced
hearing loss than others. Genetic predisposition, chronic
conditions such as diabetes and exposure to cigarette
smoke are known to increase the risk of acquiring noise-
induced hearing loss. Because we cannot tell who the
most susceptible individuals are, prevention is the most
effective way to avoid such hearing loss.
Noise-induced hearing loss can affect many aspects
of life, including a person’s social and educational
development and their ability to work. Children and
adults who live in noisy environments may face
increased psychological stress and anxiety.
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UNLIMITEDIn young children, noise-induced hearing loss hinders language acquisition. Learning disabilities,
anxiety and attention-seeking behaviours are also common outcomes of hearing loss. Chronic
noise exposure in classrooms can impede academic performance in areas such as reading ability,
comprehension, short- and long-term memory, and motivation. On average, children who are
exposed to noisy learning environments have lower assessment scores on standardized tests.
Noise exposure in young people also contributes to age-related hearing loss. Inadequate
hearing protection during activities such as shooting firearms or listening to loud music during
adolescence may lead to significant communication difficulties much later in life.
Listening to devices with earphones can also be unsafe in additional ways. For example, use
during walking or cycling decreases auditory perception and increases the listener’s chances of
being involved in a collision.
5. 3
Once you lose your hearing, it won’t come back!
SAFE LISTENING
T
IM
E
What is safe listening?
Safe listening levels depend on the intensity
(loudness), duration (length of time) and frequency
(how often) of the exposure. These three factors are
interrelated and contribute to the overall sound energy
level that a person’s ears are exposed to. The total
amount of sound energy a person can safely receive is
effectively constant. We can be exposed to the same
amount of energy at lower volumes listened to over
long periods of time as we might receive when louder
sounds are heard for a short duration. Permissible
levels of daily exposure to noise have been identified
accordingly, taking into account the total permissible
‘dose’ of sound. Permissible exposure levels have
been calculated for occupational settings and are
extrapolated to recreational settings. Eighty-five
decibels is considered the highest safe exposure level
up to a maximum of eight hours. The permissible time
for safe listening decreases as sound levels increase.
For example, a sound as high as 100 dB – the level
produced by a subway train – can be safely listened to
for only 15 minutes each day.
The output of personal audio devices may range from
75 dB to as high as 136 dB . The maximum output
levels vary depending upon regulations and legislation
in different countries. Typically, users of personal
audio devices choose to set the volume between 75
to 105 dB.
Permissible daily
noise exposures
At nightclubs, discotheques and bars, average sound levels can range from 104 to 112 dB; noise
levels at pop concerts may be even higher. Patrons may expose themselves to the same level of
loudness in 15 minutes of music at 100 dB that an industrial worker gets in an 8-hour day at 85
dB. Noise levels at sporting venues have been found to range from 80 dB to 117 dB. The average
noise exposure during the Football World Cup in 2010 was as high as 100.5 dB. Even a short
duration of exposure to high-decibel levels such as these can be harmful. Habitual exposure
almost certainly leads to hearing loss over time.
The good news is that noise-induced hearing loss can be prevented by following safe listening
practices.
6. 4
MAKE LISTENING SAFE
What can individuals do?
Keep the volume down
As noted, the daily recommended safe
volume level is below 85 dB for duration of
a maximum of eight hours. Sounds may be
too loud if people must raise their voice to
make themselves understood to a listener; it is difficult
for the listener to understand someone who is an arm’s
length away; or listeners develop pain or a ringing
sensation in their ear(s). Even a small reduction in volume
can offer significant protection. Volume can be reduced
when listening to personal audio devices by:
• Wearing earplugs. When frequenting nightclubs,
discotheques, bars, sporting events and other
noisy places, use earplugs as hearing protection.
Well-inserted earplugs can help to reduce the
level of exposure considerably. If inserted properly,
earplugs can reduce the exposure by 5 to 45 dB,
depending on the type of earplugs.
• Using carefully fitted, and if possible, noise-cancelling
earphones/headphones. Earphones and headphones
which are suited to the individual user allow music to
be heard clearly at lower levels of volume. In addition
noise-cancelling earphones and headphones cut
down the background noise, so that users can hear
sounds at lower volumes than otherwise needed. For
example, frequent users of personal audio devices
on trains or airplanes should consider using noise-
cancelling earphones or headphones in these
settings.
• Respecting safe listening levels. Determining the
safe listening level on personal audio devices
by setting the volume to a comfortable level in
a quiet environment to no more than 60% of
maximum volume is another way to keep the
volume down.
Limit time spent engaged in noisy activities
As indicated, the duration of the exposure to noise is one
of the key factors contributing to overall sound energy
levels. The duration can be minimized by:
• Having short listening breaks. When going to
nightclubs, discotheques, bars, sporting events and
other noisy places, people should take short listening
breaks to help reduce the overall duration of noise
exposure.
• Moving away from loud sounds. At a noisy venue,
people should stay as far away as possible from
sound sources such as loudspeakers. Moving to
quieter locations within venues can reduce the level
of exposure.
• Limiting the daily use of personal audio devices. While
it is important to keep the volume down, limiting the
use of personal audio devices to less than one hour a
day would do much to reduce noise exposure.
How to make listening safe
There are many actions which can be taken to make listening safe for all. These include
measures put in place by individual users, as well as parents, teachers, managers,
manufacturers and governments. Select actions are highlighted below.
1. Roll 2. Pull 3. Hold
How to use earplugs
7. 5
Once you lose your hearing, it won’t come back!
Monitor safe listening levels
Peopleshouldbeempoweredwiththecorrectinformation
about the safe listening of their personal audio devices
by knowing the products and their safety features.
Smartphone technology can be used to measure noise
exposure levels and inform users about their risk for
noise-induced hearing loss. Applications or “apps”
accessible through the phones display noise intensity
levels in decibels and indicate whether exposure is risky.
These apps are easy to download and can be used to
collect information about noise levels in the environment
and the risk of hearing loss.
Heed the warning signs of hearing loss
People who suspect hearing loss should seek help from
a hearing health care professional in case of tinnitus
or difficulty in hearing high-pitched sounds such as
doorbells, telephones or alarm clocks; understanding
speech, especially over the telephone; or following
conversations in noisy environments, such as in
restaurants or venues for other social gatherings.
Get regular hearing check-ups
This helps to identify the onset of hearing loss at an early
stage. High-risk populations including adolescents and
young adults should be informed and encouraged to
have regular hearing screening. In order to facilitate this,
schools, workplaces and communities are encouraged
to organize hearing screening opportunities.
What can parents do?
Parents need to play an active role in
educating their children about safe
listening and monitoring their exposure
to loud noise; they also need to be role-
models of safe listening for their children.
What can teachers do?
Children and adolescents must be edu-
cated about the possible dangers of
exposure to loud sounds from the mis-
use of personal audio devices and
encouraged to develop safe listening
habits. Such information should be part of the health
education curriculum and also be taught as part of music
and dance classes.
What can physicians do?
Physicians have a significant opportunity
to educate and counsel adolescents
and young adults regarding hearing
protection. Physicians, nurses,
audiologists and speech-language
pathologists can convey appropriate messages about
the risks and promote healthy listening habits among
users.
What can managers do?
Managers of venues in which noise levels
are high – nightclubs, discotheques,
bars, pubs, cinemas, concerts, sporting
events and even fitness classes – have
an important role to play in ensuring the
personal safety of people who frequent
such venues. To make listening safe,
they can: monitor and apply the safe noise limit set by
the establishment itself; make use of sound limiters
to control noise levels in such settings; provide free
earplugs to all patrons along with information about their
proper use as well as “chill out” rooms, where volume
levels are monitored and safe; and prominently display
messages about the risk of hearing loss during moments
when the volume goes beyond safe levels.
What can manufacturers do?
Manufacturers of personal audio
devices possess the technical know-
how to design these devices with
appropriate safety features, and a
number have already taken steps to put
in place these features. For example, software developed
by a leading manufacturer of personal audio devices
allows customers to easily set their own customized
maximum volume limit. It also gives parents the ability to
set a maximum volume limit on their child’s device and
lock it with a combination code. Another device displays
an on-screen message displaying the average dB level
at different volume settings, along with a warning to
keep the output below 85 dB. Such measures offer
protection and help raise awareness about the harmful
effects of loud music and other noise. Manufacturers can
also provide prominent warning labels on the products
themselves, as well as on the external packaging and
accompanying information materials.
What can governments do?
For their part, governments are
encouraged to develop stricter laws
and rigorously enforce already existing
legislation regarding non-occupational
noise. Governments can raise
awareness about the issue through
targeted public information campaigns highlighting the
potential consequences of hearing loss. Creative use of
those means of communication which are most often
used by teenagers and young adults, including various
social media platforms, would help to disseminate
messages on the importance of safe listening.
8. 6
MAKE LISTENING SAFE
Making a difference: some examples
Although governments do have an important
role to play, it is true that at this stage while
legislative measures related to environmental and
occupational noise exposure are in place in many
countries, relatively few countries have enacted
specific legislation aimed at reducing recreational
noise exposure. Two examples of such recent
efforts include:
In 2009, the European Commission mandated that
output levels in new personal audio devices should
be set to a standard of 85 dB, allowing users to
increase the volume to a maximum of 100 dB.
According to the directive, when users raise the
volume to maximum level, a message should pop
up that warns of the potential for hearing loss.
In April 2014, Minneapolis City Council, in the State
of Minnesota, United States, passed an ordinance
making it compulsory for bars and clubs to offer
free earplugs to patrons. Such a directive could
have far-reaching effects, reducing the risk of noise
exposure for those who frequent such venues.
Other public information campaigns that have
helped raise awareness about safe listening
practices include:
• Listen To Your Buds: A public education
campaign launched by the American Speech
and Hearing Association (ASHA). The campaign
educates children and parents about practising
safe listening habits when using personal
audio devices. It does so through a variety of
bilingual media and public outreach tactics,
partnerships with companies and organizations,
‘safe listening concerts’ in schools, and school
system-wide information dissemination.
• Dangerous Decibels: This public health
campaign, initiated in the US, aims to reduce
the incidence and prevalence of hearing loss by
changing knowledge, attitudes and behaviours
of children and adults regarding sound exposure
and use of hearing protective strategies. Through
education and use of exhibits, the programme
has been successful in producing long-term
improvements in hearing health behaviours.
• It's a Noisy Planet: Protect their hearing: This
programme of the US National Institute on
Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
(NIDCD) promotes healthy hearing habits among
parents and pre-teens. It does so through
social media, school presentations, awareness
materials, conferences and exhibits.
• Don't Lose the Music: by Action on Hearing
Loss, a UK-based hearing loss charity, aimed
at increasing awareness and promoting safe
listening habits amongst music lovers through
innovative messages.
• The ESIA Cheers for Ears: This Ear Science
Institute of Australia (ESIA) campaign is a school
health programme designed to educate and
encourage healthy behaviours among young
people to prevent noise-induced hearing loss.
• NOISE (Non-occupational Incidents, Situations
and Events) database: The National Acoustic
Laboratories in Australia maintains a detailed
and standardized record of sound levels at
non-occupational leisure events. It provides
researchers and health professionals with
realistic estimations of noise exposure due to
various non-work activities.
12. Department for Management of NCDs, Disability,
Violence and Injury Prevention (NVI)
World Health Organization
20 Avenue Appia
CH-1211 Geneva 27
Switzerland
Tel +41 22 791 1466
whopbd@who.int
Hearing is a precious faculty.
Hearing damage due to
excessive noise cannot be
reversed. Quality of life can
decline among affected
people, while health care
costs for society can increase.
Noise-induced hearing loss
is preventable – so look after
your hearing.