The Better Hearing Institute (BHI) has released a free prevention eGuide to help address the escalating problem on hearing loss at a time when people are both experiencing noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) at younger ages and staying in the workforce longer.

"Your Guide to Prevention of Hearing Loss from Noise," by Brian J. Fligor, ScD, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, is available on the Web, as well as via a downloadable PDF on the BHI Web site.

The 12-page consumer eGuide provides information on:

  • How we hear;
  • How noise contributes to hearing loss and tinnitus (commonly known as "ringing in the ears");
  • The symptoms of noise-induced hearing loss;
  • How to prevent noise-induced hearing loss, including a description of hearing loss prevention devices;
  • Occupations with the highest risk for noise-induced hearing loss;
  • The risk of noise-induced hearing loss associated with several recreational and work-related activities; and
  • Additional resources.

"Noise-induced hearing loss is neither harmless nor restricted to old age," says Sergei Kochkin, PhD, BHI’s executive director. "And it’s permanent. Most people with hearing loss are still in the workforce. And we know from years of study that when left unaddressed, hearing loss can lead to depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, and lost earnings."

“Unfortunately, most people only become passionate about their hearing once they’ve lost significant ability to hear," author Filgor explains. "It’s this recognition and frustration over what they’ve lost that drives them to preserve what they still have. What we want is for people to become passionate about preserving their hearing before it’s lost—because once it’s gone, it can’t be regained. This free eGuide gives people the information they need to protect their hearing. And it’s available to anyone."
 

SOURCE: Better Hearing Institute (BHI)