Hearing protection - You're doing it wrong

How Old Are You Ears

Procedimento inovador nos EUA permite a uma criança surda de nascença ouvir pela primeira vez voz do pai

Há um video que está a emocionar milhões de pessoas em todo o mundo. Mostra o momento em que uma criança de três anos, surda desde a nascença, ouve pela primeira vez a voz do pai. Grayson Clamp é a primeira criança americana a receber um implante auditivo do tronco cerebral.

Notícia acedida em RTP.pt

Why you should wear ear protection

The Noise Shirt

The Noise Shirt is a machine washable, wirelessly rechargeable garment that measures ambient sound via an LED equalizer bar on the chest. 

An embedded microphone measures the environmental noise level and displays it as a vertical 5 step EQ bar, in which the top two lights represent noiselevels beyond recommended limits for hearing protection. A small lithium-polymer battery in the shirt contains a wireless recharging induction loop in the neck tab which, when conjoined with an inductive coil on the shirt's specially designed coat hanger, will recharge the shirt in about three hours. 

The next step is to add a mobile user interface to the device in order to access outside services and applications, giving it functionality beyond reminding everyone at the next Mudvayne show that they'll eventually be going deaf.

Info from EnGadget

Is Noise-induced hearing loss preventable?

NIHL is 100 percent preventable. All individuals should understand the hazards of noise and how to practice good hearing health in everyday life. To protect your hearing:

• Know which noises can cause damage (those at or above 85 decibels).
• Wear earplugs or other hearing protective devices when involved in a loud activity.
• Be alert to hazardous noise in the environment.
• Protect the ears of children who are too young to protect their own.
• Make family, friends, and colleagues aware of the hazards of noise.
• If you suspect hearing loss, have a medical examination by an otolaryngologist (a physician who specializes in diseases of the ears, nose, throat, head, and neck) and a hearing test by an audiologist (a health professional trained to measure and help individuals deal with hearing loss).

Info from National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
Image from Contaminacion auditiva

What is Noise-induced hearing loss?

It's loss of hearing caused by exposure to loud noises. When exposed to loud noise the tiny hairs inside the ear (more specifically the cochlea) are damaged. These hairs can repair themselves if only a small amount of damage is done, however over time repeated exposure to loud noise can cause permanent damage. It can be caused by a one-time exposure to an intense “impulse” sound, such as an explosion, or by continuous exposure to loud sounds over an extended period of time, such as noise generated in a woodworking shop.

People of all ages, including children, teens, young adults and older people, can develop Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Exposure occurs in the workplace, in recreational settings and at home. Recreational activities that can put someone at risk of NIHL include target shooting and hunting, woodworking, listening to or playing loud music and other hobbies. Harmful noises at home can come from music, lawnmowers, leafblowers and other power tools.

Info from National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
Image from Action on Hearing Loss