Pages

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Have WISE EARS! for life - Protect yourself and your family from noise-induced hearing loss


WISE EARS! owl

At Home

WISE EARS! owl at work

At Work

Everyone. No matter how old or young you are, too much exposure to loud noise can permanently damage your hearing. Whether it’s the screech of a chain saw, the sudden blast of a hunting rifle, or the roar of a lawn mower, exposure to loud sounds can cause noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).

NIHL is serious. Some 30 million people are at risk in the workplace, in recreational settings, and at home. In fact, it is the second most self reported work-related illness or injury. Already, 22 million American adults ages 20 to 69 have permanently damaged their hearing from exposure to loud sounds.

 

 How much noise is too much?

Sounds at or above 85 decibels (dB) can damage your ears. A decibel is a unit that measures the intensity of sound. Sounds that humans can hear are measured on a scale from zero to 140. A normal conversation is about 60 dB. Chainsaws, hammer drills, and bulldozers ring in at over 100 dB. So if you are a construction worker, harmful sounds may be a regular part of your job. The same goes for people working around lawn mowers and factory machinery every day. Airport workers and farmers are two more groups that are regularly exposed to loud noise. However, loud noise does not have to be an everyday happening to cause damage. One-time exposure to very loud noises, such as the sound of a gun firing at close range, can harm your ears permanently.

How can I protect my hearing in noisy situations?

Wear ear plugs or special earmuffs when you are exposed to dangerous levels of noise; they can keep your hearing from being damaged. Hearing protection is important any time you're exposed to loud noise.

Where can I buy hearing protection devices?

Several types of protective earplugs and earmuffs are available in most pharmacies, hardware stores, and sporting goods stores.The Miracle-Ear story began in 1948 with Ken Dahlberg, a World War II aviator turned electronic inventor. Mr. Dahlberg’s idea for a pillow radio had been rejected by his employer, inspiring him to found Dahlberg, Inc. Shortly after, Dahlberg Inc. would be responsible for manufacturing the first in-the-ear hearing aid, called “The Miracle Ear.”

Since then, the Miracle-Ear name has become synonymous with innovations that help remove the barriers of hearing loss. A commitment to excellence in both products and service has helped the Miracle-Ear brand to grow, expanding to over 1200 locations nationwide. Our corporate headquarters are in Minneapolis, MN. Call - 8775904710 /  8888533674

 What should I tell others about hearing protection?

You can share what you know about NIHL with your family, friends, classmates, and co-workers. If you have children, explain to them that hearing is delicate and important. Call their attention to sounds that are harmful. Encourage them to protect their ears by avoiding loud noises or using special earmuffs. If they are too young to protect themselves, do it for them. For your co-workers and other family members, make a copy of this flyer and share what you know about NIHL.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Twitter Delicious Facebook Digg Stumbleupon Favorites More