Life is getting noisier in this country and as it does, people are losing their hearing. The rate of hearing loss has increased in every age group. but perhaps most alarming is that 15% of children ages 6 to 19 are showing signs of hearing loss.

One third of all hearing loss is caused by noise-induced hearing loss. Everyday sound from motorcycles, car stereos, monster trucks, rock concerts, power tools, farm and factory equipment, and stereo headsets are causing toxic noise.

Please take notice and seek help if you experience the following signs after being exposed to loud noise: ringing or buzzing in the ears; slight muffling of sounds; difficulty in understanding speech; or difficulty in hearing conversation in groups of people or where there is background noise.

Protect yourself against damaging noise: Turn down the volume or wear earplugs when using noisy equipment. Earplugs can be purchased for a reasonable fee at most local drug stores. Wearing earplugs will also help protect your ears if you do a lot of swimming.

~ Loretta Teter, Parish Nurse