Our own Dr. Fligor’s coauthored report also warns about tinnitus risk
About 1.3 billion people have hearing loss related to excess noise, a common health hazard in many workplace and recreational settings. Finding ways to curb the problem has driven a robust body of research, including insights from our own Dr. Brian Fligor, audiologist-in-chief and president right here at Tobias & Battite.
What criteria are used to determine noise exposure limits? Are there differences in the risk of hearing loss from occupational noise versus recreational sound? What is an appropriate exposure limit for recreational sound? As coauthor of an investigation published in The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, Dr. Fligor sought to answer these very questions.
The informative report, “Risk of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Due to Recreational Sound: Review and Recommendations,” not only addresses each of the critical three questions — concluding, for example, that both occupational and recreational noise exposure risks can be measured by the same standards — but also offers an important warning on tinnitus (ringing in the ears or head).
Like hearing loss, tinnitus in many instances is linked to harmful noise levels. The condition may even precede measurable hearing difficulty, potentially making more rigorous noise-exposure limits a necessary step in helping reduce the risk. It may take further study, but standards that also closely consider tinnitus risk may not be too far off into the future.
Meanwhile, today’s preventive strategies can go a long way in stemming noise-induced hearing loss — and tinnitus. Using headphones no more than an hour daily at 60% or less of maximum volume, taking extended breaks from noisy environments, and wearing quality hearing protection can all make a significant difference. Another crucial step: scheduling regular hearing checks.
Are you having trouble understanding speech in crowds? Do friends and family complain about your TV volume? Have you perceived ringing, buzzing, or clicking signs in your ears or head? These issues could point to noise-related hearing loss. Contact our expert team to book a hearing test today. Let’s ensure you’re hearing your healthy best!