Health Related Articles
Parish Nurse Corner
Can You Hear Me?
Hearing, as with our other senses, is something we value but take for granted.
However, hearing loss can occur slowly and painlessly. Risk factors for hearing loss include genetics and environment. Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) is caused by factors in the environment. It is common in the workplace where there is the continuous loud noise of machinery. However, many other sounds that can damage your hearing include: the sound track in a movie theater, a lawnmower, chain saw, loud music, and playing in an orchestra or school band. No matter what age, continued exposure to loud noise can permanently damage your hearing. NIHL is preventable but once you have lost hearing it is permanent, therefore, early detection and early treatment greatly increase the chances of preventing or decreasing the disabling effects of hearing loss.
So, you ask, how loud is too loud and how do I know? First of all, the degree of risk is associated with the level of noise and the length of exposure time. Sound is measured in decibels (dB) and according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) exposure to noise above 85 dB can cause hearing loss. Some examples of Decibel levels are:
A whisper --- 30-40 dB
Normal conversation --- 60 dB
City traffic --- 80 dB
Motorcycle --- 90 dB
Chain saw --- 110-120 dB
Rock concert --- 110-120 dB
Jet takeoff --- 140 dB
Gunshot --- 140-170 dB
Personal Stereo with headphones can be as loud as 105-120 dB. In a quiet setting you probably would not turn it up that high, but in a noisy setting when turned up to block other noise prolonged listening can be a risk to your hearing. Some systems are available that limit the output to 85 dB.
The ear converts sound waves into electrical signals and causes nerve impulses to be sent to the brain where they are interpreted as sound. There is an outer ear, middle ear and inner ear. Sound waves enter through the outer ear, and from there enter the middle ear where they cause the eardrum to vibrate. The vibrations are transmitted through three tiny bones in the middle ear. The eardrum and tiny bones amplify the vibrations and carry them to the inner ear which contains hair cells. These hair cells initiate the changes that lead to the production of nerve impulses which are carried to the brain and interpreted as sound. Sudden, intense or prolonged exposure to loud, harmful sounds may damage the hair cells and the nerve cells.
Be alert to signs and symptoms of potential hearing loss. Some warning signs of potential hearing loss would be:
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) after exposure to loud noise.
Slight muffling of sounds after exposure to loud music.
Difficulty understanding speech—can hear the words but cannot understand them.
Turning the television, radio volume to a level that is too loud for others.
You can help prevent hearing loss by:
Being alert to hazardous noise.
Limiting exposure to loud noise.
Protecting hearing when exposed to high noise levels.
Protecting children from hazardous noise.
Informing others of dangerously high noise levels.
Having hearing tested by qualified physician or licensed audiologist.
Protecting your hearing is another way of taking care of your body. Be alert and take appropriate measures to ensure good health and good hearing. Can you hear me?
Check the poster and handouts on the Parish Nurse bulletin board in the office hallway. Talk with me if you have any questions or for more information.
Sally Richenbacher RN., M.Ed