Approximately 12 percent of all children ages 6–19 have noise-induced hearing loss. Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent and is almost always preventable!
Hearing loss can happen at any age. A growing number of teens and kids are damaging their hearing by prolonged exposure to loud noise.
Noise-induced hearing loss is caused by damage to the hair cells that are found in our inner ear. Hair cells are small sensory cells that convert the sounds we hear (sound energy) into electrical signals that travel to the brain. Once damaged, our hair cells cannot grow back, causing permanent hearing loss.

The loudness of sound is measured in units called decibels (dB). Noise-induced hearing loss can be caused by prolonged exposure to any loud noise over 85dB.

How to protect your child’s hearing:

• Wear the proper hearing protection (earmuffs or earplugs) when in noisy environments (concerts, sporting events, fireworks displays, car races). Hearing protection comes in a variety of sizes and textures to provide optimum fit. Custom-made earplugs can be obtained from an audiologist.
• Turn down the volume.
• Walk away from loud noise.

Childhood noise risks include:

Noisy toys
Sporting events
Band class
Motorbikes
Farm equipment
Shop class
Arcades
Concerts
Firearms
Firecrackers and fireworks
Power tools
MP3 players

If you think your child may have a hearing loss, contact us and schedule a hearing screening today!