Ear Facts

09/17/07

Here are some interesting ear facts for you!

Ear Facts

	28 Million Americans suffer from hearing impairments
	Hearing loss is one of America’s leading disabilities!
	10 million Americans have hearing loss caused by noise
	Noise induced hearing loss can occur over your lifetime
	A stereo headset set at full blast, about 110 decibels, could damage ears in only a half hour!
	Sounds that are 85 decibels or louder such as heavy traffic, a noisy restaurant, a screaming child, or a lawn mower can cause hearing damage
	Once you have lost your hearing it’s gone!
	7 Million children ages 6 to 19 have some hearing loss
	6 out of every 10 college freshman are affected by Noise-induced Hearing Loss
	Spectators and operators of auto racing, speed boating and snowmobiling are at risk for Noise-induced Hearing Loss
	Foam earplugs provide 15 - 30 decibels of noise protection
	Cotton and tissue paper stuffed into the ear DO NOT provide noise protection
	Consult a hearing specialist if your infant doesn’t startle at sudden noise
	Have ears checked regularly by a hearing specialist
	50 million Americans who own firearms for competitive and recreational use are at risk for Noise-induced Hearing Loss

How's Your Hearing? A Self-Quiz

Answer the following questions with an "almost always" (3 points), "half the time" (2 points), "occasionally" (1 point) and "never" (0 points):

I have a problem hearing over the telephone or hearing common sounds.
I have to strain to understand conversations, or have trouble following dialogue between two or more people.
People complain that I turn the TV volume too high.
I have difficulty hearing conversations at social events, so I avoid those activities.
I get confused about where sounds are coming from.
I often misunderstand some words in a sentence, especially in women’s and children’s speech.
I have worked in noisy environments (near assembly lines, jackhammers jet engines, etc.).
Many people I talk to seem to mumble.
People get annoyed because I misunderstand what they say.
If you have a blood relative with a hearing loss, add 3 points.

Total your points:

0-3 points - Hearing is fine
4-6 points - Suggest seeing a specialist or your family doctor
7-30 points - Strongly recommend seeing a specialist or doctor

Quiz provided by: American Academy of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery

Travel Tips for Ear Comfort & Ear Pain while Flying

	Do not fly with a cold or stuffy ears unless necessary.
	If you fly, you might be helped by using decongestants. Follow over-the-counter directions for at least four hours before flying or consult your physician for specific recommendations.
	Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
	Do not drink alcohol, coffee or caffeine drinks - they constrict blood vessels.
	Chew gum to facilitate swallowing and relieve ear pressure.
	Clear your ears regularly upon taking off and landing by gently blowing, while pinching your nostrils with your mouth closed, to "pop" your ears. Do this regularly and often to keep the ears from "locking up".
	Try Earplanes. They are filtered earplugs, which slowly equalize pressure against the eardrum when the plane is taking off or landing. These may be purchased at drugstores, airport gift shops, or you local hearing health care provider.
	Children often have ear pain or discomfort while flying. This can be alleviated by encouraging the child to swallow using a pacifier or bottle. Older children may chew gum or candy. Featured Publications: http://www.audiologyonline.com/news/news_detail.asp?news_id=2734 http://www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/reporter/index.html?ID=5698 http://www.earfoundation.org/media/G[1]._Gore_at_Nashville.mp3 http://wtjs.com/pages/738724.php http://www.vanderbiltchildrens.com/interior.php?mid=1637 http://www.vanderbiltchildrens.com/interior.php?mid=3738 http://www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/reporter/index.html?ID=5488

This site was last updated 08/23/07