The New Age of Assistive Hearing Devices Hearing aid devices now come in many different styles such as behind-the-ear (BTE) aids, usually the largest and least expensive, in-the-ear (ITE) aids, in-the-canal (ITC) aids, and even newer for the Western market, completely-in-the-canal (CIC) aids, which cost about $2,000. There are even implantable hearing aid devices that work just like regular hearing aids but are directly connected to the bone of the ear. These implantable devices are currently available in some countries, although not here in the United States as of yet.
OSHA Guide to Noise and Hearing Safety, Health And Conservation One of the occupational hazards of living in the modern industrial age is noise exposure, both in and away from the workplace. Acoustic noise can be defined as unwanted sound and sounds louder than 80 decibels (dB) are considered potentially dangerous. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), more than 30 million Americans are regularly exposed to hazardous sound levels. According to the EPA the number of people exposed to work induced noise damage is around 9 million.
Understanding The 3 Basic Types of Hearing Loss Our ears have these two main functions; allowing us to both hear and maintain our balance. However, throughout the duration of a lifetime, the hearing function of our ears become worn out and less effective. In fact, one of three adults over the age of 65 has a hearing loss and half of seniors over the age of 75 have a hearing loss. Such loss is commonly due to over-exposure to noise, heredity or both.
Hearing Aids 101 What is a hearing aid? Simply put, it is any device used to improve the hearing of partially deaf people. Some smaller aids are compact enough to fit in the ear or be hidden in the frame of eyeglasses. Hearing aids assist in making soft sounds louder. Before choosing and buying a hearing aid it is important to understand that a hearing aid does not restore your hearing. Hearing aids help make soft sounds louder.
Hearing Loss is the Number One Disability in the World Hearing loss is prevalent in modern societies as a result of the combined effects of noise, aging, disease, and heredity. Hearing loss is the number one disability in the world; approximately 28 million Americans suffer some type of hearing loss. In addition, 15 of every 1000 people under the age of 18 have a hearing loss, and nearly 90% of people over age 80 have a hearing impairment. The incidence of hearing loss is greater in men, than women. The sad part is, that hearing loss is the most preventable disability in the world.
