National Mexican Press Release MTV Spring Break Hearing
Awareness
San Francisco based Hearing Education and Awareness for
Rockers (HEAR), DJ Polywog and Otolaryngologists from the
MEEI will be participating in MTVs Springbreak Cancun
March 13-16, 2002 to promote hearing loss protection (and
evaluate young people's understanding of the risks of loud
sound exposures.)
The Problem
Noise induced hearing loss is the major cause of preventable
hearing loss in the United States. Noise can cause permanent
hearing loss due to hair cell stereocilia damage in the cochlea.
Unfortunately, there are no medical or surgical treatments
to reverse noise induced hearing loss. High frequency hearing
noises tend to cause more hearing damage than equivalent levels
of low frequency hearing noise. While federal occupational
regulations require hearing protection for workers exposed
to 90dB for 8 hour periods, noise exposures> 85 dB are of
concern. Prolonged exposure to loud sounds greater than 85
dB can cause inner ear damage leading to hearing loss. The
average walkman on a setting of 5 out of 10 is 94 decibels
and amplified rock music at 4-6 ft can reach from 120-150
dB( a jet engine at 100 ft is 140dB)! The sound levels at dance clubs is often as high as 115 decibles,
powerful enough to cause damage within seconds.
Practical
Solutions
So how can you enjoy the music and still protect
your ears? Stand away from the speakers. The closer you are
the higher the likelihood of damage. Try not to shout when
you're on the dance floor, talk when you get to a more quite
area. Taking breaks from areas with loud music interrupts
prolonged exposure and one way to relax. Use ear plugs! Ear
plugs help to attenuate sound. If you are omeone who is constantly
expoed in work or just enjoy going to dance clubs or concerts
with frequebcy custom ear plugs will do the job without limiting
your ability to hear speech as conventional ear plugs may
do. Cotton and paper in your ear are no good. They only block
out 7dB of sound. If you have: Difficulty hearing others with
background noise Use the telephone in one ear over the other
because you hear better Hear ringing in your ears (tinitus)
You may have hearing damage or loss. Consult an audiologist
or hearing specialist for audiologic evaluation.
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