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Teenagers are at risk
for losing their hearing because of being exposed to loud sounds.
Up to 20% of American teenagers may already be slowly losing their
hearing. Noise-induced hearing loss happens very gradually and is
painless. Once a teenager notices signs of hearing loss, it may
be too late! Hearing loss due to noise exposure cannot be reversed
and is TOTALLY preventable!
What loud sounds are
teens being exposed to?
- Stereo headsets
- Concerts
- Car stereos
- Lawn mowers
- Firecrackers
- Action movies
- School band or orchestra
- Firearms
Please share the
following tips with your teen and encourage them to pay attention
to the noise levels they are exposed to:
- The length of time you are exposed to loud sounds and the
loudness of the sound will determine the damage to your hearing.
The louder the sound, the quicker your hearing will be damaged.
Hearing loss can result from a one time exposure to a very loud
sound (firecrackers or firearms), a long exposure to loud sounds
(concerts), or repeated exposures to moderately loud sounds
(stereos, musical instruments).
- You may be able to initially set the volume of a personal
stereo to a safe level in a quiet room, but chances are you
will either increase the volume or set it to a hazardous level
in other everyday situations.
How do I know if
a sound is too loud or if I have been exposed to loud sounds?
- You have to raise your voice to be heard above the noise
or music.
- You can't hear someone two feet from you, or voices sound
muffled.
- You hear ringing or buzzing in your ear following the exposure.
- Sounds are muffled after having been around loud sounds,
or your ears feel stuffy.
What can I do to
prevent hearing loss?
- Turn down the volume!
- Wear earplugs!
- Avoid using headsets!
- Move away from the source of the sound!
- Take breaks to a quieter area!
If you suspect a problem,
have your hearing checked immediately by an audiologist.
WISE EARS! Is a national
campaign to prevent noise-induced hearing loss. For more information,
go to the WISE EARS! website, www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/wise
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This material
is provided for informational and educational purposes only; it
does not contain specific medical advice. If you have specific health
questions or problems, consult a health care professional for personal
medical advice. To reach Patient Services at Children's Hospital
of Richmond, call (804) 228-5818.
Children's
Hospital is a specialty pediatric facility with the mission of providing
quality health care to children and financial assistance when needed.
Children's Hospital now offers inpatient, day patient and outpatient
services to more than 8,000 children each year, providing evaluation,
diagnosis and treatment for a wide variety of medical conditions.
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