Our research found that 1 in 2 young people aged 18-24 are showing signs of noise-induced hearing loss. This is because of the decibel level that these people listen to music on their devices or at gigs. A third (33%) of Irish people who prefer to listen to music on their mobile phone and MP3 player are listening at dangerously high volume levels and for twice as long as is safe, with one in four (26%), experiencing symptoms of noise-induced hearing loss.

Hearing experts recommend that people follow the 60/60 rule when listening to music on personal devices like a mobile or MP3 player; that’s listening at levels up to 60% of maximum volume for a total of 60 minutes a day. However, the Hidden Hearing research reveals that Irish people listen to music on their mobile or MP3 player for almost two hours (113 minutes) a day on average, with a third (33%) listening at dangerous sound levels of over 100 decibels (dB), the equivalent of a jet airplane taking-off or a rock concert.

Other Research Findings

• The majority (71%) of young people aged 18-24 years prefer to listen to music via their mobile phone for 2 hours, 5 minutes a day – twice the recommended limit.
• Almost one in five (17%) deliberately set the volume to the maximum loudness.
• Four in ten (42) have experienced ringing and buzzing in their ears and risk causing permanent damage to their ears. Tinnitus (ringing in ears) usually begins at 127 dB and can be an early indicator of hearing loss.
• Almost one in ten people aged 25-34 years would not be worried if they had permanent ringing or buzzing in their ears: demonstrating a clear lack of awareness of the damage and risks associated with sustained exposure to loud noise.
• Almost half of Irish adults (48%) listen to music on their personal device using in-ear earphones, which can potentially cause more hearing harm than headphones. This climbs to 74% among a younger audience of 18-24 year olds.

Dolores Madden, Audiologist and Marketing Director with Hidden Hearing warns that young people will have to face the music of premature hearing loss if they don’t turn the volume down, “If you suffer ringing in the ears or buzzing after listening to loud music, that tells us that the damage is already done. Our research paints a worrying picture for the long-term hearing health of younger people especially. An EU study claims by 2020 it may be commonplace for up to 10% of 30 year olds to be wearing a hearing aid and our latest research in Ireland certainly supports that trend. The volume limits are there on our phones and MP3 players to protect our hearing, but it’s frightening to see so many Irish people – particularly young people – ignore or disregard them.

“Listening to loud music a lot on your mobile phone can cause hearing damage, especially if in-ear buds are used as these offer less protection than headphones. With buds, it’s not so much the noise, but the sound pressure that can cause the damage. The bud is inserted in the ear, so the pressure goes straight into the inner ear canal and that can be dangerous if listening for long periods at maximum volume, which a worrying number of Irish people are doing. The World Health Organisation estimates that up to one third of hearing loss in the world’s population is preventable, so boosting awareness is hugely important”, Madden adds.

We found that mobile phones are peoples No.1 device for listening to music
More than three times the number of people prefer to use their mobile phone to listen to music to, usurping MP3 players and iPods. Almost half listen to music via their mobile (44%), followed by iPod (13%) and MP3 player (12%).

Other research highlights

• On average Irish people listen to music via a personal device for 1 hour 53 minutes a day, with the average listening session being 1 hour 3 minutes (twice that recommended)
• 41% of people who listen to music on their personal device at maximum sound level, are listening for an hour or more every day, so risk serious hearing damage
• One in four (26%) Irish adults have experienced ringing/buzzing in the ear with one in five (19%) experiencing this after listening to music on their personal device
• This goes up to one in three among those who listen to music at maximum volume
•  A third of people (34%) use headphones, with one in four using Bluetooth/wireless speakers (25%)

Hidden Hearing top tips to protect your hearing while listening to personal devices

• If you are listening with headphones to your personal device and someone is talking to you in a normal voice at arm’s length away, you should be able to hear them clearly.
• Set a safe listening limit on your devices. Go to settings to override the 100dB (decibel) volume limit setting.
• Observe the 60/60 rule – listen at 60% of the maximum volume for no more than 60 minutes a day
• Take regular breaks

Book your free hearing test today!

We have over 75 clinics and branches nationwide. To book your free hearing test today in one of our Hidden Hearing branches or clinics click here or call 1800 882 884.

We also provide a free earwax removal service in selected branches & clinics. To book into your nearest branch or clinic for an earwax removal appointment, click here or simply call 1800 882 884.

The post May is Better Hearing & Speech Month appeared first on The Hidden Hearing Blog.

If you work in a noisy environment, you will almost certainly be using ear protection on a daily basis (and if you’re not, talk to your employer about it today!), but do you take as much care to avoid damaging your ears when you are at events such as festivals and concerts? Here are some vital facts that you should know:

Why You Should Protect Your Hearing At Events:

• Our ears are fragile. The auditory processing system is made up of many tiny bones and nerves, and once damaged, these cannot be repaired. Any sound over 85 decibels can damage the ears, and a live music concert is likely to be over 100 decibels, sometimes as loud as 145dB.

• All damage is not immediately obvious. Sometimes people notice their ears hurting or experience tinnitus or temporary deafness in the presence of very loud sounds. However, much damage is not obvious until afterwards, when you leave the noisy environment or even later.

• Noise damage is accumulative. The longer you are exposed to loud noises, the more likely it is that you will sustain damage to your hearing. This means that if you regularly attend concerts or festivals, you will be at much higher risk of hearing loss than others who do not.

Use Earplugs To protect Your Hearing

Earplugs do not filter all sounds out, and you will still be able to hear and enjoy the music at events like concerts and festivals if you wear them. You must ensure that they are correctly inserted into your ears, and you may wish to try several types to find out which sort suit you best, but it’s important to make sure that they fit well and to use them whenever you are at a loud event.

Take A Free Hearing Check Up At Hidden Hearing

If you have any concerns about your hearing, the first step is to pay a visit to an experienced audiologist. This can be a daunting prospect, but here at Hidden Hearing, we are proud of our reputation as a friendly hearing centre, and our experts will be pleased to guide you through the process. Even if you do not think you have a hearing loss, it can be a great idea to have a hearing check up to get baseline hearing level that can be used to monitor future changes.

Visit us at Hidden Hearing for a free hearing test and try our range of excellent digital hearing aids. Our national network includes over seventy-five branches and clinics, so we’re sure to have a location near you. Simply call us or pop in to make an appointment, and let us help you to find the best hearing solution for you and your lifestyle.

The post Live Music Events: Are You At Risk Of Hearing Loss? appeared first on The Hidden Hearing Blog.

Did you get your ticket for the upcoming Electric Picnic Music and Arts Festival in Co. Laois next weekend, 4-6 September? What a line up: Florence + the Machine, Grace Jones, Sam Smith, Blur, George Ezra, Interpol, Róisín Murphy, The Boomtown Rats … and the list goes on. If you didn’t get your ticket, you’re too late; it’s completely sold out. However, if you’re one of the lucky ones and want a preview — or if you want to see what you’ll be missing — read on. Your ears will thank you for it.

It’s going to be loud. Music will come at you from all directions — from multiple stages. That combined with cheering, conversations and general merrymaking can wreak havoc

on your ears, potentially damaging your hearing. Since the events last the full weekend —and you’ll be there to experience it all — there’s little chance of limiting your exposure to the noise. A little advance planning can help: buy some earplugs to protect your hearing. Bring a few pairs with you so that you’ll have spares when needed. It may surprise you, but they’ll cut out a lot of the damaging noise without interfering with sound quality. They might even filter out the sounds you don’t want to hear anyway. However, there are a lot of sounds you DO want to hear.

If you want a break from the buzz of the world-class music, head to Electric Picnic’s Body & Soul area, where you have a chance to unwind and relax, and revitalise the senses. Check out the open-air hot tub, or let your cares soak away in a healing seaweed bath. You can book an appointment at the Solas Spa at the festival. Wander the Zen Gardens, participate in a healing yoga workshop, or sign up for an Indian head massage or chi energy treatment.

Keep your earplugs handy, though, because DJs are around to create some awesome sound mixes. In the Bog Cottage, chill out with acoustic jazz, gypsy rock, folk and open mic sessions. Cloud 88, new for 2015, is another venue for you to visit to watch some spirited anime movies. Make sure you also come with an appetite because numerous food vendors will be on hand to tempt you with their Theatre of Food vendors and events.

Hidden Hearing, Ireland’s premier professional provider of hearing healthcare in the private sector, want you to enjoy Electric Picnic, but just take precautions against the noise. If you’re concerned about your hearing, give us a shout (but not a loud one!) on freephone 1 800 818 808. We’re here to help.

The post The Excitement of Electric Picnic Will Have Your Ears Ringing appeared first on The Hidden Hearing Blog.

True or False? I can buy hearing aids for my ears just like I can buy reading glasses for my eyes from the drug store.

Answer: False. Only a hearing healthcare professional can accurately test your hearing and prescribe treatment. If you have sensorineural hearing loss, you may be a good candidate for hearing aids – although the type of hearing aid that’s best for you will depend upon the degree of hearing loss you have, along with your lifestyle and other preferences.

If you have conductive hearing loss, you may not need amplification at all. Restoring your hearing may be as simple as removing excess ear wax or a benign tumor. Hearing loss may also signal the onset of other medical problems, such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease.

In other words, you won’t know why you aren’t hearing well until you have your hearing tested by a professional.

True or False? My hearing health can be negatively affected by the foods I eat.

Answer: True. Just like the rest of your body, your hearing health depends on proper nutrition to operate at its best. Studies have shown that obesity and excessive drinking are detrimental to your hearing health. Your auditory system relies on good circulation as the result of proper nutrition and exercise, just like the rest of your body.

True or False? Musicians are at a greater risk for developing hearing loss.

Answer: True. Studies have found that professional musicians are almost four times more likely to suffer noise-induced deafness and 57 percent more likely to suffer from tinnitus. Phil Collins, Pete Townshend and Ozzie Osbourne are examples of famous musicians who have developed hearing loss as a result of their profession.

True or False? Untreated hearing loss can affect the amount of money I make.

Answer: True. Although it’s illegal for employers to discriminate on the basis of a hearing disability, research indicates those with untreated hearing loss may lose out in salary and wages. The good news? Those who treat their mild hearing loss with hearing aids cut that risk by 90 to 100 percent.

True or False? The only person affected by my hearing loss is me.

Answer: False. Nice try, though! Your family, friends and co-workers suffer, too. Recent research by the National Institutes of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NICDC) found a significant relationship between untreated hearing loss and depression. Other studies have found links between hearing loss and an increase in anxiety and social isolation. The reason, experts say, is because individuals with untreated hearing loss find it difficult to communicate with family, friends and co-workers.

What’s the solution? Get your hearing loss treated sooner rather than later. Almost 70 percent of individuals who sought treatment for their hearing loss with hearing aids said their personal relationships improved as a result.

True or False? The best way to prevent hearing loss is by protecting my ears from noise.

Answer: True. Noise and aging are the two most common reasons for developing sensorineural hearing loss. If you work in a noisy environment, ask your employer to provide hearing protection. If you have a noisy hobby, make sure you wear appropriate hearing protection. And, if you know you’ll be attending an activity where loud noises are common, such as a fireworks display or music concert, invest in a pair of ear plugs or head phones. You may not be able to do anything about aging, but you can lessen the risk of developing NIHL by being proactive.

Brownie Points: I’ve had a hearing test in the past year.

If you answered this question “true,” congratulations, you’re well on your way to maintaining your hearing health. If you haven’t made an appointment yet, there’s still plenty of time to get started. Visit your local Hidden Hearing to find a qualified hearing healthcare professional in your area or call us on 1800 370 000.

The post Do you have graduate hearing knowledge? Take this quiz appeared first on The Hidden Hearing Blog.

You might recognise the situation: You are in a café trying to hold a conversation with your friends over a cup of coffee, but the conversation is constantly being interrupted by other peoples talking, chairs scraping across the floor, telephones ringing, thundering espresso machines and music which drowns out everything else. The conversation is difficult to follow, you get a headache, you feel tired, you cannot concentrate and in the worst instance you can get a hearing impairment. The Swedish study, which is conducted by (HRF), a large, Swedish interest group for the hearing impaired, shows that it is not just in the traditional noisy workplaces such as building sites and factories that noise can have negative consequences. We can also be affected by noise in offices, schools and in our free time.
Bothersome noise at work
According to the study, 57% are disturbed by noise in the office and 51% of the 142 journalists asked reported that it was difficult to concentrate at work. Among teachers and pedagogues, 67% answered that they think the noise they experience in the workplace is a problem and 57% experience that it is difficult to hear what the pupils are saying. The sound level in schools is often around 65-78 decibels. In order for a teacher to be heard, they must speak at a level of 75-88 decibels, which is equivalent to the sound of heavy traffic. That is a level which is directly damaging for ones hearing.

It is important to get your hearing tested if you have any concerns. Hidden Hearing provides professional hearing evaluation and hearing aids for all patients. If you have any questions about hearing loss contact Hidden Hearing on Freephone 1800 370 000. For a free hearing test or free consultation you can request online, just click here FREE TEST.

( Source: Hörselskadades Riksförbund 2010)

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The post Occupational noise-induced hearing loss is a reality for teachers appeared first on The Hidden Hearing Blog.

Fast forward a few decades. Now professor of biostatistics and senior associate dean for research at Harvard School of Public Health, Dominici is a renowned expert in analyzing huge data sets to ferret out hidden environ­mental causes of disease. And her latest finding, published in October 2013 in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), has reverberated across the field.

With co-author Jonathan Levy, AB ’93, SD ’99, professor of environmental health at Boston University School of Public Health, Dominici found that elderly individuals who live along the noisiest flight paths near airports have a higher risk of being admitted to the hospital for cardiovascular disease. Specifically, she estimated a 3.5 per­cent increase in the cardiovascular hospitalization rate for every 10-decibel (dB) increase in airport-related noise. She also saw a strong association between noise exposure and cardiovascular hospitalizations in zip codes with noise exposures greater than 55 decibels, but no association in zip codes with exposures less than 55 decibels. (The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency defines indoor sound levels under 45 dB as acceptable; a level of 55 dB is about the same as a loud conversation.) Read More Here.

If you are concerned about any aspect of your hearing healthcare, you can make an appointment to have a hearing evaluation conducted free of charge at any of the 65 Hidden Hearing branches nationwide. To book call 1800 370 000 or visit www.hiddenhearing.ie 

The post Noise impacts on more than just hearing! appeared first on The Hidden Hearing Blog.

Some people never had their hearing, as they were born deaf, but the majority had something happen along the way that took it from them. Infectious diseases like meningitis, measles, mumps and chronic ear infections, as well as head and ear injuries, and aging all can contribute to hearing loss.

But perhaps the most common cause is excessive noise. Whether it’s a one-time exposure to an intense, “impulse” sound, like gunfire, or by repeated exposure to loud sounds over time, like machinery at work, noise has the potential to rob people of their hearing.

The effects of hearing loss extend well beyond having to turn up the television. It strains a person’s ability to understand conversations, which can cause problems and misunderstandings at work and at home. Hearing loss also leads to isolation from family, friends and the environment.

“The good news is noise-induced hearing loss is preventable,” says Dolores Madden of Hidden Hearing. “So many people could be spared from it, if they just took a few easy steps.”

Step 1: Wear hearing protection

The most important step to preventing hearing loss is to wear hearing protection.

“There are many great hearing protection options, but sometimes it’s a challenge to know which to choose and how and when to wear it correctly,” says Madden. “Hearing protection is now available that is comfortable, fits well, and includes options to enhance communication – like microphones and two-way radio connections for people who need them.”

Step 2: Be mindful around the clock

Sounds louder than 85 decibels (dBA) are more common than people might think. Prolonged exposure to these high-level sounds can permanently damage your hearing, and cause ringing in the ears, along with other symptoms. Most people don’t carry decibel meters, so it’s good to know where those sound levels can occur. Some examples include:

* Attending a football game (100 to 120 dBA)

* Using a leaf blower or chainsaw (95-120 dBA)

* Riding a motorcycle (80-110 dBA)

* Using a lawn mower (82-103 dBA)

* Attending a rock concert (90-120 dBA)

* Listening to a personal music player (75-114 dBA)

* Watching a movie at the theater (72-104 dBA)

Hearing these sounds occasionally, for a limited time, isn’t a major threat to hearing. But repeated exposure to loud sounds can cause hearing damage over time. Many people – like mine workers, police officers, construction workers, farmers and others, work in noise that is 85 dBA or higher every day on the job. As a result, noise-induced hearing loss is one of the most common occupational diseases and the second most self-reported occupational illness, according to National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

Step 3: Reduce the volume or increase distance

Work-related noise might be unavoidable, but many times, you can be in control of the noise around you. Whenever possible, select quieter vacuums, chain saws, leaf blowers, power tools, etc. Also, be aware that the volume controls on portable entertainment devices can exceed 110 dBA – levels that may be hazardous if you listen for many hours a day. Lower the volume and limit how long you listen to them. If you aren’t able to turn down loud sounds you encounter, take a few steps back from the source of the loud sound. Even a few feet of distance between you and a loud sound can lower the decibel levels that hit you.

Anybody who might be concerned about their hearing, can avail of a free hearing test at any Hidden Hearing branch nationwide. You can book a hearing test free of charge at any of Hidden Hearing’s 60 clinics nationwide. Freephone 1800 370 000 or visit www.hiddenhearing.ie.

The post 3 steps to combat hearing loss appeared first on The Hidden Hearing Blog.

“Too many people are losing their hearing because of noise exposure,” says Dr. Laurie Wells, an audiologist in 3M’s hearing protection business. “Noise-induced hearing loss is irreversible and costly—and not just to your pocketbook, but more importantly, to your overall well-being. Hearing loss negatively affects the most fundamental need we have as humans: the ability to communicate with each other. Evidence suggests that people who suffer from hearing loss are less social and more apt to report depression and anxiety.”

Protection Is Key

The good news is that noise-induced hearing loss is 100 percent preventable. People can significantly reduce their noise exposure by wearing hearing protection, avoiding repeated exposure to loud noises, and participating in hearing loss prevention programs at work.

Anybody who might be concerned about their hearing, can avail of a free hearing test at any Hidden Hearing branch nationwide. You can book a hearing test free of charge at any of Hidden Hearing’s 60 clinics nationwide. Freephone 1800 370 000 or visit www.hiddenhearing.ie.

The post Avoid The High Cost Of Hearing Loss appeared first on The Hidden Hearing Blog.

Hearing loss prevention is not a Herculean task. Individuals, who are at risk of such high decibel noise at the work place or any other location, should use ear protection devices. Being OSHA complaint requires the workplaces to have proper hearing loss protection aids. Earplugs and Earmuffs can be used to protect the ears from sound levels detrimental to the ears. Earplugs are the popular form of ear protection, which offers a noise reduction rating (NRR) of 22. But, this is not sufficient to withstand the higher decibel noise levels of the industries. Earmuffs help in such situations.

It has been seen that people remove their ear hearing protection devices at the workplace to communicate with their counterparts. However, this act becomes the cause of permanent damage to the ear, as even a smallest exposure to such high decibel sounds is detrimental to the delicate inner ear. A large range of ear protection products are available off-the shelf. With new technological innovation, there are a number of electronic earplugs and earmuffs available which are high on safety features and capabilities.

While selecting ear hearing protection devices, it is necessary to choose the right one according to the place of use and ones comfort level. The equipment that one should look into are ones that would allow the workers to hear the background sound, communicate with their fellow workers while suppressing the excess noise that creates disturbance and effects the auditory nerves.

Technology has made available a number of Earplugs in modest designs combined with unparalleled communication functionality. These new age electronic earplugs and electronic earmuffs have in-built Noise Suppression and Speech Enhancement technology. Besides, enabling face-to-face communication, it covers short distance of up to 50 meters as well as connectivity in long distances. Being Bluetooth enabled, this offers optimized hearing and speech clarity when used with cell phones, is cost effective and provides an overall communication solution. If you have any questions about NIHL or hearing loss or any sort contact Hidden Hearing.

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