Hearing loss isn鈥檛 just for seniors 鈥� in fact noise-induced hearing loss can happen at any age, and the effects are often permanent.

鈥淗earing loss affects ten per cent of all Canadians 鈥� it鈥檚 the fastest growing chronic health problem among Canadians today,鈥� says Kim Galick, owner of in 91原创.

When you鈥檙e exposed to a noise that鈥檚 too loud, too close or too long, the hair cells in your inner ear can be damaged. That affects their ability to pick-up and transmit sound to your brain, and can result in noise-induced hearing loss.

Do you have noise-induced hearing loss?

People exposed to a very loud noise like an explosion or gunshot will often notice they鈥檝e lost some hearing right away. But in most cases hearing loss develops gradually and is harder to perceive. Possible signs of noise-induced hearing loss include:

• Trouble hearing in group settings, or noticing that people around you seem to be mumbling
• Ringing, whooshing, roaring or buzzing sounds in your ears, also known as tinnitus
• 鈥淵our family may notice that your TV volume is turned up too high, or you鈥檙e speaking loudly,鈥� Galick says.
• Pain in your ears, especially when exposed to loud noises

Noise-induced hearing loss isn鈥檛 just about volume

• Too loud: Turn down music and other loud sounds when possible, or install sound-absorbing materials to reduce noise.
• Too close: Step back from motors, power tools and other loud sounds so they鈥檙e farther away.
• Too long: The length of time you鈥檙e exposed to a sound also affects your hearing. 鈥淪ometimes a single exposure to an excessively loud sound can damage your hearing in an instant, but often it鈥檚 prolonged exposure over time,鈥� Galick says. 鈥淲henever possible, reduce the length of time you鈥檙e around loud sounds.鈥�

What you can do:

• Identify potentially loud sounds at work or at home: 鈥淚t may not be possible to avoid an activity altogether, but you can reduce your exposure by moving farther away from the source of loud sounds, once you鈥檝e taken the time to identify them,鈥� Galick says.
• Use hearing protection: Choose ear plugs or over-ear protection that鈥檚 appropriate for the job, comfortable, compatible with other safety gear and allows you to hear alarms or essential communication from coworkers. Ears Hearing offers for a more comfortable and effective fit.
• Seek professional assessment: Consult with a licensed hearing care professional, especially if you suspect hearing loss. 鈥淣oise-induced hearing loss cannot be medically or surgically corrected, but a hearing professional can help you with hearing aids and other technologies to improve your ability to communicate,鈥� Galick says.

For help with noise-induced hearing loss and to learn more about a no-obligation free hearing aid trial, contact at in 91原创. Email info@earslangley.com or call 604-427-2828 to schedule an appointment.