The Center for Audiology Aims to Curb Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Houston, TX (PRWEB) May 01, 2014 -- This May, in honor of Better Hearing Month, Dr. Sara Nagel and the staff of audiologists at The Center for Audiology are encouraging Houstonians to protect their hearing.
Thirty-six million Americans have hearing loss, and one in three of them developed their hearing loss as a result of exposure to noise. The Center for Audiology says people can avoid loud noise and protect their hearing by:
• Wearing hearing protection when around sounds louder than 85 decibels (dB) for a long period of time
• Turning down the volume when listening to the radio, TV, MP3 player or anything through ear buds and headphones
• Walking away from loud noise
“Noise-induced hearing loss is caused by damage to the hair cells that are found in our inner ear,” said Sara Nagel, Au.D. “Hair cells are small sensory cells that convert the sounds we hear (sound energy) into electrical signals that travel to the brain. Once damaged, our hair cells cannot grow back, causing permanent hearing loss.”
The loudness of sound is measured in units called decibels (dB). Noise-induced hearing loss can be caused by prolonged exposure to any loud noise over 85 dB, such as concerts, sporting events, lawnmowers, fireworks, gunshots, custom car stereos at full volume and more. A brief exposure to a very intense sound, such as a gunshot near the ear, can also damage your hearing.
Noise is considered dangerous if it is necessary to shout over background noise to be heard, it is painful to the ears, it makes the ears ring during and after exposure or if it causes decreased or “muffled” hearing for several hours after exposure.
Hearing impairment not only affects the ability to understand speech, but it also has a negative impact on social, emotional and physical well-being. Rather than withdrawing from life as a consequence of hearing loss, today’s consumer understands that in order to fully enjoy the experiences of life, it is necessary to stay connected to it.
Baby Boomers and Gen Xers are getting their hearing tested, and they’re benefitting from the technological revolution taking place in the hearing aid marketplace. Simply put, these generations have caught onto the fact that today’s state-of-the-art hearing aids are highly effective, sleek and sophisticated wearable electronics than can help them stay actively connected to life – not to mention to all their other prized electronics.
To celebrate May is Better Hearing Month and help get the word out about the importance of hearing protection, The Center for Audiology in Houston, TX is offering free hearing screenings and free hearing protection ear plugs to the public. To reserve a spot or for more information, call 713-255-0035 or email HearMore(at)centerforaud(dot)com.
About the company:
The Center for Audiology was established in 2008 with the goal of providing the best in hearing healthcare to the people of Houston and surrounding areas. Along with evidence-based practice and superior customer service, The Center for Audiology's mission includes community outreach and service to encourage early diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss. Dr. Sara Nagel and Dr. Shelby Seeberg have a combined 18 years of experience in treating hearing loss and share a passion for improving quality of life through better hearing.
Sara Nagel, The Center for Audiology, http://www.centerforaud.com, 713-255-0035, [email protected]
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