When it comes to improving your health, most people think about nutrition, exercise and mental health but rarely think about their hearing.
As part of World Health Day, Australian Hearing is encouraging everyone to add hearing health to their general health and wellbeing check list because once it’s gone, it won’t
come back.
According to a 2006 report by Access Economics, one in six Australians has a hearing loss and this number is set to rise to one in four Australians by 2050. One of the most significant causes of hearing loss in Australia is exposure to loud noise.
Hearing loss is more common than people think and the 2006 report found that 37 per cent of all people in Australia have a noise related hearing loss, Mr John Eakin, Area Manager, Australian Hearing Tweed Heads said.
“Hearing well is the key to healthy relationships and being connected with family and friends,” Mr Eakin said. “Exposure to very loud noise can lead to hearing damage and we encourage everyone to take active steps to protect their hearing.”
Hearing loss can be hard to detect because of its slow and gradual onset and, when hearing has been damaged, it can’t be restored to its original state. Here are some tips to help you protect your hearing:
1. Listen to your MP3 player at a volume where you can hear someone who is at arm’s length without him or her having to shout.
2. Limit the amount of time you are exposed to very loud noise. Take time out periodically from noisy concerts
or clubs.
3. Wear ear plugs or muffs if you are exposed to loud machinery or industrial noise such as mowing the lawn.
4. Learn to fit ear plugs properly.
Remember to cover your ears, avoid the noise and turn it down, Mr
Eakin added.
“Unfortunately, once your hearing has been damaged it can’t be restored,” he said. “By following some of these tips you’re taking a step in the right direction to maintain your hearing health for years to come.”
If you would like to find out more about how to protect your hearing, visit www.hearing.com.au or phone
07 5599 4899.
Australian Hearing provides subsidised hearing care to pensioner concession cardholders and most veterans and our centre in Tweed Heads is located at Suites 3-4 Riverside Professional Centre, 80-82 Keith Compton Drive, Tweed Heads.
