Archive for the ‘hearing aids’ Category

Convertibles Could Damage Hearing

Wednesday, March 17th, 2010

People who drive convertibles could be risking serious damage to their hearing, experts say. Studies show that noise levels at speeds of 50, 60 and 70 miles per hour can reach 88-90 DbA, with a high of 99 Db. Permanent hearing loss can be caused by long or repeated exposure to sounds over 85 Db, experts say.

Sounds created by the road surface, wind noise, traffic congestion and driving speed all contribute to the issue. Experts say that even rolling windows up while leaving the top down can significantly reduce noise exposure. They say convertible drivers should look at motorcyclists as an example, because while they are exposed to significant noise levels, they generally wear ear protection.

For more information on hearing loss and hearing aids, contact the hearing loss professionals of Hearing Planet at 800-432-7669.

Men More Likely to Develop Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Wednesday, March 10th, 2010

Studies show that men are 2.5 times more likely than women to develop noise-induced hearing loss, especially if they are white and married. The study analyzed data from more than 5,000 people aged 20-69, and 13 percent suffered from the disorder. White, married men represented the group with the highest risk.

This increasingly common disorder is caused by exposure to high-intensity sound, especially over a long period of time. Researchers hope this study will help in developing preventative measures for the public and also in screening techniques.

For more information on hearing loss and hearing aids, contact the hearing loss professionals of Hearing Planet at 800-432-7669.

Protein Identified to Develop Auditory Neurons

Wednesday, March 10th, 2010

Researchers recently discovered that a protein which regulates stem cell reproduction is involved in the development of cells that could repair hearing loss. The leading cause of hearing impairment is the loss of inner ear hair cells called spiral ganglion neurons. This could be the first step in regenerating these cells that send sounds to the brain.

Hearing loss occurs when these cells are lost or damaged, and hearing loss treatment now often involves the addition of artificial cells or stimulation of the existing cells. Scientists hope to use these findings to advance the treatment for hearing loss.

For more information on hearing loss and hearing aids, contact the hearing loss professionals of Hearing Planet at 800-432-7669.

Gym a Workout for Eardrums, Too

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

A researcher at the University of Alberta found that gym conditions cause people to turn up their headphones to unsafe volume levels. Study participants were placed in in a gym-like setting with a lot of background noise, and they all listened at potentially dangerous levels, he reports.

It’s not just the volume level, though. The length of time spent listening at a high volume can raise the risk for hearing loss as well. Almost half the study participants listened for a length of time during the study to put them at risk for hearing loss. Proper earphones can help combat this, the researcher said, by sealing the ear and getting rid of background noise, so the earphone volume doesn’t have to get so high.

For more information on hearing loss and hearing aids, contact the hearing loss professionals of Hearing Planet at 800-432-7669.

Analgesic Use Increases Hearing Loss in Men

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

New studies show that regular use of analgesics like aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen increases hearing loss in men, especially those under the age of 60. Those are the three most commonly used drugs in the U.S., and researchers say this knowledge presents an important public issue.

Researchers looked at factors other than noise and age that might influence hearing loss. It did not seem to affect men older than 60, but the percentage of regular users younger than 60 who had concurrent hearing loss was 33-61 percent, based on which analgesic they took and how old they were.

For more information on hearing loss and hearing aids, contact the hearing loss professionals of Hearing Planet at 800-432-7669.