Information on Hearing Loss

Education is the Key

Em’s 4 Kids was started because we believe hearing is precious and something that needs to be protected. Children should be taught the dangers of noise exposure and instructed to use ear protection when necessary.  We believe that if you can teach children from a young age that their hearing is precious, and you protect them from becoming accustomed to excessively loud noises, they will be more likely to look after their hearing as they move into their teenage years.

More than a third of all hearing loss is attributed to noise: loud music, loud workplaces, loud recreational equipment, due to these things people are losing their hearing at a younger age than they were 30 years ago.

Em’s 4 Kids and Em's 4 Bubs earmuffs are designed to protect young children from noise-induced hearing loss.

What is noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL)?

Noise-induced hearing loss is essentially that – loss of hearing that is caused by exposure to loud noises.  When exposed to loud noise the tiny hairs inside the ear (more specifically the cochlea) are damaged.  These hairs can repair themselves if only a small amount of damage is done, however over time repeated exposure to loud noise can cause permanent damage. 

What can cause noise-induced hearing loss?

NIHL can be caused by a one-time exposure to an intense “impulse” sound, such as an explosion, or by continuous exposure to loud sounds over an extended period of time, such as noise generated in a woodworking shop.

The loudness of sound is measured in units called decibels. For example, the humming of a refrigerator is 40 decibels, normal conversation is approximately 60 decibels, and city traffic noise can be 85 decibels. Sources of noise that can cause NIHL include motorcycles, firecrackers, and small firearms, all emitting sounds from 120 to 150 decibels. Long or repeated exposure to sounds at or above 85 decibels can cause hearing loss. The louder the sound, the shorter the time period before NIHL can occur. Sounds of less than 75 decibels, even after long exposure, are unlikely to cause hearing loss.

Below is a table that outlines different noisy activities and the exposure times until hearing damage.

Who is affected by NIHL?

People of all ages, including children, teens, young adults and older people, can develop NIHL. Exposure occurs in the workplace, in recreational settings and at home. Recreational activities that can put someone at risk of NIHL include target shooting and hunting, woodworking, listening to or playing loud music and other hobbies. Harmful noises at home can come from music, lawnmowers, leafblowers and other power tools.

People

Can NIHL be prevented?

NIHL is 100 percent preventable. All individuals should understand the hazards of noise and how to practice good hearing health in everyday life. To protect your hearing:

• Know which noises can cause damage (those at or above 85 decibels).
• Wear earplugs or other hearing protective devices when involved in a loud activity
• Be alert to hazardous noise in the environment.
• Protect the ears of children who are too young to protect their own.
• Make family, friends, and colleagues aware of the hazards of noise.

If you suspect hearing loss, have a medical examination by an otolaryngologist (a physician who specializes in diseases of the ears, nose, throat, head, and neck) and a hearing test by an audiologist (a health professional trained to measure and help individuals deal with hearing loss).