Initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO) in March 2007, World Hearing Day spreads awareness of hearing loss and ways to prevent or mitigate its effects. Additionally, WHO aims to make ear and hearing care a necessary component of universal health coverage. This post features significant facts and guidance about ear and hearing health.
Noteworthy Points
- Ear and hearing problems are among the most common problems encountered in the community.
- Over 60% of these can be identified and addressed at the primary level of care.
- Integration of ear and hearing care into primary care services is possible through training and capacity building at this level.
- Such integration will benefit people and help countries move towards the goal of universal health coverage.
Tips for Healthy Ears
Do:
- Use earplugs in noisy places
- Check your hearing regularly
- Wear your hearing aids regularly when advised
- See a doctor if you have ear or hearing problems
Don’t:
- Put cotton buds, oil, sticks or pins inside your ears
- Swim or wash in dirty water
- Share earphones or earbuds
- Listen to loud sounds or loud music
According to the World Health Organization:
- More than 360 million people live with disabling hearing loss.
- More than 1 billion people aged 12-35 years are at risk of hearing loss due to recreational noise exposure.
- Globally, the overall cost of not addressing hearing loss is more than $750 billion.
–CDC
Loud Noise and Hearing Loss
Everyday sounds typically do not damage your hearing. However, many people participate in activities that produce harmful sound levels, such as attending loud sporting events and music concerts and using power tools. Such activities, when repeated over time, will cause hearing loss.
Loud noise can damage sensitive parts of the ear, causing ringing or buzzing in the ear (tinnitus), increased sensitivity to sound (hyperacusis), and hearing loss. Repeated exposure to loud noise over the years affects how well you hear later in life and how quickly you develop hearing problems, even after exposure has stopped.
Avoiding noisy situations is the best prevention. But if you can’t avoid the noise, use adequate hearing protection noise canceling earplugs, earmuffs. You can protect your hearing and still do the things you enjoy.
Ear and Hearing Care at San Simeon
At San Simeon by the Sound, we provide our residents access to audiology specialists as part of our medical services. Our patient-centered services help ensure that all our residents receive the professional, personalized care they deserve.
