Mahaska Health Partnership Encourages Noise Awareness
Mahaska Health Partnership
MAHASKA COUNTY – The world is continually getting louder, and more people are experiencing hearing loss every day. April 30, 2014 is National Noise Awareness Day, a time used to remind everyone of the long-term effect loud noises have on hearing.
Every day, we are exposed to potentially harmful sounds. Traffic, lawnmowers, loud music, construction and sporting events can all produce dangerously loud sound. Continuous exposure to noise over 85 decibels (dB) is considered harmful.
“Hearing loss is frequently one of the health issues we ignore,” MHP Family Nurse Practitioner Chris Beaird shared. “While it is not reversible, it is important to know the signs and symptoms so further deterioration can be avoided.”
Beaird listed signs of hearing loss, including, “Ringing or a feeling of fullness in your ears. Struggling with hearing others speak, especially in louder environments, and turning up the radio or TV louder than normal. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, visit your primary care provider for a hearing assessment.”
There are a wide variety of tools available to those who wish to prevent hearing loss. The best technique is to avoid loud noises completely, but if that is not realistic, make sure to wear earplugs or earmuffs that help dampen the sound. Limit your exposure time to loud music and other loud noises. Finally, turn down the volume on your own personal devices and move as far away from loud noises as possible.
“I recommend anyone who works in a noisy environment to pay special attention to their hearing,” Beaird urged. “Hearing loss is usually a gradual process and can sneak up on you. The quicker you can detect issues, the greater your chances are for stopping the progression of hearing loss. You can’t reverse the damage once it happens, so make sure to take special care of your hearing now.”
Chris Beaird is a Family Nurse Practitioner at Mahaska Health Partnership in Oskaloosa. To schedule an appointment, call 641.672.3360.
Mahaska Health Partnership, located in Oskaloosa, is a non-profit health system accredited by the Joint Commission. It is guided by its mission to provide exceptional customer service and health improvement, linking the science of medicine with the humanity of compassionate care. For more information about how Mahaska Health Partnership is making healthcare personal, visit www.mahaskahealth.org.
