Sound surrounds life’s cherished moments. The jolly chuckle of your wise Grandpa. The delighted squeals of your children racing inside at the crinkle of a candy wrapper. Being able to hear these sounds is a unique gift. Unfortunately, millions of Americans experience hearing loss and the scale tips in favor of men. The good news is that noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is preventable.
Why Men?
More men have traditionally held jobs with excessive noise exposure when compared to women. Construction workers, mechanics, coal miners, and so forth require the use of loud machinery. Additionally, some favorite male past times also include loud machinery; riding motorcycles, spending a day at the shooting range, and using impressive power tools. Many people understand, and comply, with using protective hearing devices in the workplace. Not so in recreational activities. Thus, excessive noise exposure can be both a first and the last priority, depending on if you are at work or play. Either way, a hearing assessment is crucial for measuring potential hearing loss.
Two Simple Ways to Remember Ear Protection
The first way to reduce excessive noise exposure is to adhere to all policies and procedures regarding hearing protection devices in the workplace. Don’t refuse to put them on because you don’t like the way they feel. Don’t take them off because you think you can tolerate the noise. Wear them every time they are required.
The second way is to keep foam earplugs nearby. You can put some in your toolbox, your ammunition box, a compartment on your motorcycle or any other place where you will see them as you prepare for a day of fun. Few of us keep track of how many hours we have mowed the lawn or worked on a home improvement project. We certainly do not measure the noise level either. So, the most straightforward approach is to use foam earplugs every time we break out our powerful tools and toys.
Check your Hearing as part of your Health Routine
Maintaining good health is a proactive endeavor. We have to make appointments for exams, make time for exercise, eat nutritious food, and avoid tobacco products. The list may seem lengthy, but the alternative requires much more time and exponentially more money. When you schedule your annual physical, schedule a hearing assessment. They are simple and painless. Early detection allows for early intervention, which will increase your quality of life.
Please contact us to schedule your hearing assessment today.
