July 4th celebrations endanger hearing

Americans love to celebrate July 4 with firecrackers, music, and marching bands, but too much noise pollution may lead to a loss of hearing, points out a Ball State University, Muncie, Ind., audiologist. "I don't think people realize how much loud noise they are exposed to during all the Fourth of July activities," says David Coffin, professor of speech pathology and audiology. "We have loud music playing, use lawn mowers, listen to marching bands, and light firecrackers. It is not a good time for our ears."

Sounds louder than 80 decibels are considered potentially dangerous, but the noise created by fireworks, traffic, and lawn mowers ranges between 90-140 decibels. "Most people will suffer a loss of hearing after being exposed to high levels of noise pollution over a period of time. But, in some cases, it may only take one exposure to cause permanent damage."

Coffin lists several warning signs of hazardous noise: You must raise your voice to be heard and are unable to hear someone two feet away. Speech around you sounds muffled during or after leaving a noisy area. There is pain or ringing in your ears after exposure.

"We have noise all around us, and it is getting worse," concludes Coffin, coordinator of Ball State's Audiology Clinic. "We are seeing more and more young people come into the clinic with hearing problems."

Studies by the National Center for Health Statistics found that nearly 15% of subjects age six to 19 have signs of hearing loss. Moreover, in recent years, the incidence of hearing difficulties has increased by 26% among people age 45-64 and 17% among those 18-44.

Coffin urges people to take steps to reduce hearing loss by avoiding prolonged exposure to noise and wearing earplugs or earmuffs when necessary. "Noise exposure is a serious but preventable problem. Hearing loss cannot be repaired. When hearing is gone, it's gone."

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