| We are all familiar with the alarming rise of Type 2 | | | | providers and pediatricians who hear loud screaming, |
| Diabetes facing today's generation. But there is | | | | crying and shouting from children on a regular basis |
| another health concern that is facing baby boomers | | | | are also at risk of a loss of hearing. Interestingly, even |
| that is not as heard about as much in the media ... and | | | | truck drivers eventually experience hearing loss in their |
| that is hearing loss. | | | | left ear, the ear that faces traffic. While earplugs can |
| An estimated 28 million Americans suffer hearing loss. | | | | help reduce risk of hear loss, the more immediate risk |
| As baby boomers reach retirement age, that number | | | | is that a worker wearing earplugs will not be able to |
| is expected to nearly double by 2030. Currently, only | | | | hear what he or she needs to hear, such as alarms, |
| one out of five persons who would benefit from | | | | verbal suggestions or warnings. |
| wearing a hearing aid actually uses one. | | | | Unlike smoking or over eating which, when stopped, |
| Constant exposure to loud noise, or exposure to | | | | can reduce and reverse health risks, hearing loss is |
| sudden, loud noises such as explosions or fire | | | | often permanent. According to Congressional |
| crackers, is known to create what is called noise | | | | testimony presented about Medicare benefits for |
| induced hearing loss, which can be a permanent | | | | hearing aids and devices, recognizing and treating |
| condition. The hair cells, nerve endings and inner ear | | | | hearing loss can mean the difference between |
| structure can be damaged. Not only is hearing loss a | | | | dependence and independence. Children with hearing |
| potential risk from loud noise, but tinnitus can also occur. | | | | loss may lack the speech and language development |
| Tinnitus creates an irritating ringing, buzzing, or roaring | | | | skills necessary for their ability to interact with society. |
| sound in the ears or head. | | | | Seniors may find it difficult to talk with friends or family, |
| Specialists are discovering that people in their 40s and | | | | listen to the television or radio, or hear an alarm. |
| 50s are showing symptoms of hearing loss that used | | | | Fortunately, there have been advances in hearing aids |
| to be attributed to people in their 60s and 70s. The | | | | and medicine. The new digital hearing aids provide a |
| culture of loud music is obviously a factor, but | | | | much sharper, clearer sound than their analog |
| environmental and industrial factors are also taking their | | | | predecessors. The top of the line hearing aids can |
| toll. | | | | cost up to $3,500. Lower end devices may cost a |
| Police, medical specialists and fire fighters who | | | | couple of hundred dollars. |
| constantly hear loud sirens are experiencing hearing | | | | Prevention is the best policy when it comes to hearing |
| problems. Construction and industrial workers who are | | | | disabilities. If at all possible, reduce your exposure to |
| exposed to the sounds of jackhammers, lawnmowers | | | | constant noise. The iPod generation of today should |
| and machine noise exhibit hearing loss. Child care | | | | turn down the volume a bit to listen to these warnings. |