HEALTH & W ELLNE SS
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pediatric health
Now, Hear This
You Can Prevent Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Noise-induced hearing loss can result from a Power saws, concerts and racing cars: 110dB Here are some steps you can take to help prevent noiseone-time exposure to a very loud sound like induced hearing loss: Gunshots, fireworks: 140dB an explosion or by listening to loud noises Avoid prolonged exposure to loud noises over an extended period. Damage can start in (lawn mowers, power tools, racing cars, childhood and ultimately affect everything Many devices that children use today etc.) whenever possible. from school performance to relationships carry noise levels much higher than 85 with friends and family. decibels. For example, an MP3 player at In loud situations, move far away from the maximum level is roughly 115 decibels. source of the noise or use foam ear plugs The human ear is made up of three Other signif icant sources are loud toys, or earmuff protectors when possible. components: the external ear, the middle band instruments, video games/arcades, Turn down the volume and/or reduce the ear and the inner ear. Sensitive hair cells are snowmobiles, lawn mowers, leaf blowers duration of use for TVs, radios and stereos. located in the inner ear and convert sounds and power tools. into electrical signals that travel to the brain Children who listen to music or play and allow us to hear. Once these cells are You may or may not notice signs because video games with earphones should take damaged by noise, they cannot be f ixed. symptoms are usually gradual and rarely periodic breaks to allow the inner ear to painful. Your child or teen may f irst have rest or recover to avoid permanent injury. Noise-induced hearing loss is related to both trouble hearing high-pitched sounds or Loose-fitting ear buds maintain the volume the amount of sound and the amount of time conversations in crowded places. The most level below 80dB, and newer volumeexposed to it. Sound is measured in decibels common symptoms are vague feelings of limiting earphones are also available. (dB). Anyone who is exposed to noise levels pressure or fullness in the ears, close-up Some MP3 players also include parental at 85 decibels or higher for a long period of conversation that seems to be muff led or far controls to limit maximum volume levels. time is at risk. away, as well as a ringing sound in the ears.
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Here are some examples of activities and their Even though symptoms may go away, there F o r more in for m at ion, v isit noise levels: is at least some permanent damage. If you www.RileyHospital.org. suspect hearing loss, talk to your child’s Every day, children are bombarded by sound. Whispering: 30dB doctor about a hearing test and possibly an Dr. Stuart Morgenstein is And as technology consumes more and more examination by a specialist. of their lives, hearing loss is on the rise. a Pediatric Otolaryngologist with Normal conversation: 60dB
Music. Video games. TV. Traff ic.
Riley Hospital for Children.
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