May 2008

Sound advice for your hearing

“How loud is too loud? Technically defined, it’s any sound over 85 decibels. How does that translate to real life? Normal conversation usually measures about 60 decibels, a busy tavern about 70 decibels, a truck or tractor idling about 80 decibels and a compressor about 90 decibels. Some power tools measure about 100 decibels. Permanent hearing loss can occur in less than two hours at this level,” explains Nicole Martin, Speech-Language Pathologist at Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital. “A bad muffler is about 120 decibels and a gunshot or a backfire is about 140 decibels. Any exposure at this level is extremely dangerous, and exposure may actually cause pain in the ear.”

Nicole Martin adds, “Daily exposure to high noise levels destroys the nerve cells of your inner ear. In time, it will become more difficult for you to hear. You can help protect your hearing by using the right kind of protection, and by using it consistently.”

The Speech Therapy and Audiology Departments of Memorial Hospital recommend ear muffs, foam inserts, and custom-made inserts for hearing protection.

Ear muffs are easy to wear and they provide excellent protection for your hearing. It is easy to put them on correctly. Remember:

• Be sure the head band provides enough tension to hold the muffs securely to the head.
  
• When the plastic seals around the muff becomes hard or cracked, then the cushion needs to be replaced.
• If you wear glasses, be sure that the bows do not provide an opening in the muffs to allow noise to enter.

  Foam inserts are easy to insert, and they also provide excellent protection. They are easy to wear for employees working in close quarters or for those required to wear other safety equipment. Foam inserts are generally more comfortable in heat and humidity than ear muffs. Remember:

• Be sure that the inserts fit snugly in your ear.
• If they do not fill the entire canal, noise can leak in around the edges, and the plugs will not be effective.
• When placing inserts in your ear canal, lift up your outer ear at the top. This straightens your ear canal and allows for a proper fit.

For some individuals custom-made inserts may be more effective or comfortable than foam inserts. A single pair can be cleaned and reused for many months. Remember:

• You will need to have new molds made anytime your current ones no longer fit snugly. Gaining or losing weight may also change the size of your ear.
• To be effective, these must be placed correctly in your ear. When inserting custom-made molds, pull up and back on the top part of your ear.
• For maximum protection, use a combination of inserts and muffs.

Juli Smith, Speech-Language Pathologist, adds, “Your hearing will be affected by the intensity (loudness) of the noise you are exposed to and the length of time you are exposed to that noise. Temporary changes can occur in your hearing on a day-to-day basis, but when your hearing no longer recovers from this daily wear and tear, the loss is permanent, and will not return to normal.”

Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital offers audiology services by a licensed audiologist. Hearing and balance disorders can be assessed, treated, and rehabilitated. Audiologists also select, fit and dispense amplification systems such as hearing aids; they prevent hearing loss through providing and fitting hearing protective devices, consultation on the effect of noise on hearing, and consumer education.

The audiologist at Memorial Hospital also recommends these tips:

• Never use home remedies for ear problems. Contact your physician.
• Never put bobby pins, keys or other objects into your ears.
• Do not use Q-tips to clean ears. They pack wax down into the ear. Use warm soapy water and a washcloth instead. If wax becomes impacted, only your physician can remove it.
• Always seek medical advice for ear infection at any age.
• Avoid exposure to loud noises as much as possible.

If you experience any drainage or bleeding from the ear, see your physician immediately. For additional information, please contact the Speech Therapy Department at Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital at (608) 357-2000, Ext. 2339.