The Hearing, Speech & Deafness Center Aims to Curb Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Seattle, Washington – October 22, 2008 – Did you know that you can permanently lose your hearing from exposure to loud noise?

Thirty-six million Americans have hearing loss. One in three developed their hearing loss as a result of exposure to noise. October is National Protect Your Hearing Month, and the Hearing, Speech & Deafness Center (HSDC) and audiologists across the nation are encouraging Americans to protect their hearing all year by:

• Wearing hearing protection when around sounds louder than 85dB for a long period of time;
• Turning down the volume when listening to the radio, the TV, MP3 player, or anything through ear buds and headphones; and
• Walking away from loud noise.

The loudness of sound is measured in units called decibels (dB). Noise-induced hearing loss can be caused by prolonged exposure to any loud noise over 85 (dB), such as concerts, sporting events, lawnmowers, fireworks, gun shots, custom car stereos at full volume, and more. A brief exposure to a very intense sound, such as a gun shot near the ear, can also damage your hearing.

Noise is considered dangerous if you have to shout over background noise to be heard, it is painful to your ears, it makes your ears ring during and after exposure, or if you have decreased or “muffled” hearing for several hours after exposure.

If you suspect you may have hearing loss, make an appointment to see one of our professional audiologists. HSDC offers free hearing screenings for ages six and up, as well as, hearing aids, FM systems, musician’s earplugs, and hearing enhancement technology dispensing and service. New Audiology hours are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, from 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, Wednesday from 8:30 am – 6:00 pm, and Friday from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm. HSDC walk-in hours are Monday through Friday, from 1:00 – 1:30 pm.

For more information, contact us at (206) 323-5770 – Main, (206) 388-1275 – TTY, or audiology@hsdc.org.

As a nonprofit agency serving thousands of individuals and families each year – though clinical services, therapy, education, advocacy and technology – the Hearing, Speech & Deafness Center strengthens community by promoting effective communication. HSDC’s vision is that all people realize their full communication potential, and achieves this by joining direct services with systemic change to create an inclusive and accessible community. Agency services span the life cycle from infants through seniors, and include Audiology & Hearing Aids, Speech, Language & Learning (Ned Behnke Speech Language Preschool and the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation Literacy Lab), Early Childhood Education (Parent-Infant Program and the Rosen Family Preschool),  Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services, and Assistive Listening and Signaling Technology. HSDC has been serving the Puget Sound area for over 70 years.