Question: Does smoking impact loss of hearing? Answer: Research shows that cigarette smoking has an increased risk of hearing loss in humans. Cigarette smoking may negatively affect hearing through ototoxic effects or by restricting oxygen in the blood that...
Is it more typical for women to have hearing loss than men?
Question: Is it more typical for women to have hearing loss than men? Answer: Actually, it is the opposite. Average onset of age-related hearing loss in women occurs 15–20 years later than in men. However, women will often seek help for their hearing loss before men do. Perhaps women are more aware of the effects […]
Read MoreWhat do I need to know about hearing protection gear for children?
Question: What do I need to know about hearing protection gear for children? Answer: A hearing-protection device should be specifically designed for a small child’s ears and head. It needs to fit well in order to work properly. It should also withstand a child’s rough use. Most will have built-in limiters for volume to remove […]
Read MoreCan I Measure Sounds to See if They’re too Loud?
Ask An Expert Question: Is there a way that I can measure a sound to see if it’s too loud? Answer: You can download a sound meter app to your smartphone to measure decibel levels. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health tested apps supported by Noise Lab, Noise Hunter, and SoundMeter, which are […]
Read MoreHow to Communicate Better at Family Gatherings
Ask An Expert Question: What can I do to better communicate at family get-togethers? Answer: In addition to wearing your hearing instruments, there are strategies you can use to facilitate good communication. One of the best is to ask others to speak slower. This turns the focus on how they are speaking to you rather […]
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