HEARING loss is one of the leading public health concerns, impacting an estimated 17 percent of American adults.
Hearing loss from noise is preventable
Many cases of hearing loss are due to excessive noise. With power tools, motorcycles, movies, lawn mowers and music players capable of producing noise levels above 85 decibels (dB), there is no shortage of sounds that put hearing at risk. Prolonged exposure to noises louder than 85 dB can damage your hearing permanently.
“Too many people are losing their hearing because of noise exposure,” says Dr. Laurie Wells, an audiologist in 3M’s hearing protection business. “Noise-induced hearing loss is irreversible and costly—and not just to your pocketbook, but more importantly, to your overall well-being. Hearing loss negatively affects the most fundamental need we have as humans: the ability to communicate with each other. Evidence suggests that people who suffer from hearing loss are less social and more apt to report depression and anxiety.”
Protection is key
The good news is that noise-induced hearing loss is 100 percent preventable. People can significantly reduce their noise exposure by wearing hearing protection, avoiding repeated exposure to loud noises, and participating in hearing loss prevention programs at work.
To address this growing concern, 3M recently launched the Hearing Pledge. The Hearing Pledge is an awareness campaign aimed at providing education on the risks associated with exposure to excessive noise and encourages visitors to commit to using proper hearing protection, both at work and at home. The site provides educational materials and resources for individuals and businesses interested in implementing hearing protection initiatives.
To learn more, visit www.hearingpledge.com. North American Precis Syndicate, Inc.