October is National Protect Your Hearing Month

Audiologists at Willamette, Ear, Nose, Throat and Facial Plastic Surgery Aim To
Curb Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Salem, OR, October 15, 2010 -- Thirty-six million Americans have hearing loss. O
ne in three developed their hearing loss as a result of exposure to noise, causi
ng noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). According to the American Academy of Audio
logy, NIHL is caused by damage to the hair cells that are found in our inner ear
. Once damaged, the hair cells CANNOT grow back, causing permanent hearing loss.
NIHL is caused by prolonged exposure to any loud noise over 85 decibels (dB), su
ch as concerts, sporting events, lawnmowers, fireworks, MP3 players at full volu
me, and more. A brief exposure to a very intense sound, such as a loud firework
near the ear, can also damage your hearing.
October is National Protect Your Hearing Month, and the audiologists at WENT and
the American Academy of Audiology are encouraging Americans to be aware of the
danger of NIHL and to protect their hearing. Hearing loss not only affects the a
bility to understand speech, but it also has a negative impact on social and emo
tional well-being. NIHL can occur gradually over time, and people often donâ t realiz
e they are changing the way they live to make up for the disability.
The audiologists at WENT have developed a hearing assessment questionnaire to he
lp identify if someone has hearing loss. The questionnaire is available publicly
for anyone to assess if they should seek further medical attention (see attache
d). The assessment will be handed out to all patients visiting the clinic (not j
ust the audiology patients) throughout the month of October. In addition, the cl
inic will help inform patients about the potentials of hearing loss in an effort
to increase early screenings.
In addition, the clinic has published the following tips to protect hearing:
* Wear hearing protection when around sounds louder than 85dB for 30 minutes or
more.
* Turn down the volume when listening to the radio, the TV, MP3 player, or anyth
ing through ear buds and headphones.
* Walk away from loud noise.
About Willamette Ear, Nose, Throat and Facial Plastic Surgery
Willamette Ear, Nose, Throat and Facial Plastic Surgery is the premier provider
for Ear, Nose, Throat and Facial Plastic Surgery in the mid-Willamette Valley. W
ith a surgical center on the premises, it is a full-service center for the diagn
osis, treatment and repair of head and neck conditions including ear infections,
hearing loss, snoring, sinusitis, tonsillitis, sleep apnea, voice disorders, ne
ck or throat cancer, and cosmetic and reconstructive facial plastic surgery. The
audiology department (dba Willamette Hearing and Audiology) provides diagnostic
hearing evaluations and comprehensive hearing aid services with direct access t
o on-site Otolaryngology (ENT) M.D.s. To learn more, visit: www.entsalem.com.
Contact :
Dennis Bell
Audiology
Willamette Ear, Nose, Throat & Facial Plastic Surgery, LLP
Salem, OR
503.581.1567
wentsalem@gmail.com
http://www.entsalem.com