Preventing Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)
The National Institues of Health publishes tools to prevent hearing loss caused by over-exposure to noise. A handy bookmark explains it all – Click here!
Other very useful information, shared by NIH, can be found here: noisyplanet.nidcd.nih.gov).
Hearing loss caused by noise can happen to anyone, at any age. The extent of noise-related damage to hearing depends on three factors: decibel level, distance, and time. (Scroll down for a sound safety chart.) To understand how sound travels to the brain, watch this video!
Analysis from a nationally representative health interview and examination survey found that nearly one in four (24 percent) of U.S. adults, aged 20 to 69 years old, has features of his or her hearing test (in one or both ears) that suggest noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).
Noise-induced hearing loss happens when tiny hair-like structures (stereocilia) that sit on top of hair cells in the inner ear are damaged by noises that are too loud and/or last for too long. When stereocilia are damaged, the hair cells can’t send information about the sound to the brain. This leads to noise-induced hearing loss. This type of hearing loss is permanent.
Noisy Planet is a national public education campaign designed to increase awareness among parents of children ages 8 to 12 about the causes and prevention of noise-induced hearing loss.
It’s a Noisy Planet. Protect Their Hearing® and the Noisy Planet logo are registered trademarks of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
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