Healthy Habits: Protect Your Hearing

Did you know that October is National Protect Your Hearing Month? According to the American Academy of Audiology, approximately 12% of all children ages 6-19 have noise-induced hearing loss. In fact, hearing loss is the third most common health problem in the United States.

It's unfortunately way too easy to be exposed to noise that can damage hearing. And for little kids, this damage can build up over time.

I'm fortunate that my daughters actually hate loud noises and certain frequencies (my husband and I do too, so it must run in the family). So I don't have to worry about some of the biggies, like sporting events and fireworks (my daughters are perfectly willing to wear earmuffs then).

The Duracell Hearing Health Council, a group of audiology experts, offers the following suggestions to prevent hearing loss and minimize damage:

- Turn down the volume. Keep music at a manageable level in your car and at home. Ensure your children’s iPods, MP3’s and speakers are not played over a volume which would cause you to shout at them in order to be heard. (85dB)

- Wear hearing protection. Concerts, sporting events and loud festivals are places where these protectors are necessary. Your children should be prepared.

- Reduce your distance to the sound of noise. Encourage your children to walk away from loud environments where decibel levels are high.