Hearing Health
Hearing 101
- Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) - hearing loss due to exposure to either a sudden, loud noise or exposure to loud noises for a period of time.
- With the exception of age-rellated hearing loss (prebycusis), NIHL is the most common form of acquired hearing impairment
- There are two basic types of NIHL
- NIHL caused by acoustic trauma
- Gradually developing NIHL - the more dangerous kind since it develops gradually over time and most people don't notice until it's too late
- Noise-induced hearing loss is 100% preventable but once acquired, hearing loss is premanent and irreversible
- Approximately 30 million Americans are affected by hearing loss. One-third (10 million) have noise-induced hearing loss
- The Hearing Alliance of America reports that 15% of college graduates have a level of hearing loss equal to or greater than their parents
- 50 million Americans have tinnitus: an early indicator of hearing loss
- 5.2 million 6-19 year olds have hearing loss directly related to noise exposure
- Roughly 13 out of every 100 school children have some degree of hearing loss
- iPods maximum volume level is 110-120 dB depending on the model
Tips to take care of your hearing:
- Lower your volume or reduce your exposure time!
- If your iPod or personal stero has a volume limiter, use it!
Information courtesy of: Dangerous Decibels & Listen to your Buds
Meet Talenga: UCI's own anatomically correct acoustic mannequin
Bring your iPod or personal listening device to the Health Education Center to have the decibel level tested!
