Hearing Loss Prevalent In Baby Boomers

Hearing loss is a common problem in those over 65 years
old. But now, more youngsters and baby boomers are being
diagnosed with hearing loss. Exposure to excessive noise
levels is the main culprit.

On the top of the list of noise induced hearing loss causes
is listening to loud music. It is estimated that 10 million
baby boomers suffer from hearing loss, much of which is
attributed to attending rock concerts in the beginning of
1960s and 70s. Hearing damage that results from this type
of noise often happens gradually and the effects are not
known until many years later.

The increased use of technology has been associated with
hearing loss in baby boomers. Portable listening
technology expanded from the walkman to the MP3 player to
the iPod. Many users of these portable devices listen at
high volume for long period of time, unaware that their bad
listening habits could eventually lead to hearing loss. A
recent study found that listening to an iPod on the highest
volume level is capable of causing hearing damage after
several minutes.

At home, appliances and tools such as vacuum cleaners, lawn
mowers, food mixers and hedge trimmers emit dangerous
levels of noise. Listening to the television or stereo at
high volume can also contribute to hearing loss.

At the workplace or on the job, workers are exposed to
dangerous levels of sound from heavy machinery and power
tools. Construction workers are susceptible to hearing loss
due to their working environment.

While many baby boomers might not have heeded any advice to
keep the volume down, they are now more aware of their
hearing loss. With the advancement of technology, hearing
aids come in new funky shapes, designs and features.
Hearing aids are no longer associated with old people only.
Instead, new hearing aids are designed to cater for people
of all age groups.

Nowadays, digital technology has replaced analog
technology. Digital hearing aids produce better sound
quality with feedback cancellation to get rid of unwanted
noises. They have programmable settings that can be
customized to your hearing needs.

Hearing loss can adversely affect work productivity and
relationships if left untreated. People with hearing
difficulty should see an audiologist for a hearing test.
Hearing aids do not restore your hearing back to normal.
However, they can improve your hearing, thereby increasing
quality of life.

Prevention is better than cure. Hearing loss can be
prevented by taking the necessary precautions. Turn down
the volume of music or use ear protection. Avoid long
exposure to loud noises at concerts or clubs.

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Only one out of five people who could benefit from a
hearing aid actually wears one. There are many types of
hearing aids to suit almost every type and degree of
hearing loss, and budget. Read our hearing aid review at
http://www.abouthearingaid.com/art-boomer