Every day people at home and at work are exposed to equipment that can lead to hearing loss.
The loudness of a leaf blower is for example up to 115 dB, a chain shaw 120 dB, and a food blender 88 dB – comparing to a Jet take-off at 305 m which is 100 dB.
The safe sound exposure level in a working environment is 85 dB. Above this level sound begins to damage hearing.
It can begin as ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and with continued exposure result in permanent degradation of the hearing.
The National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) has launched a hearing awareness programme which commenced on World Hearing Day on 3 March, and ends on Tuesday (03/05). There are 3,8 million persons with disabling hearing loss in South Africa, said Therina Wentzel-Du Toit, national director of the NCPD.
The World Health Organisation estimates 1,1 billion young people, aged 12 to 35, are at risk of hearing loss due to exposure to noise in recreational settings. Even listening to music with headphones can be damaging.
Research has linked hearing loss with social isolation, depression, an increased risk of falls and even the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
The NCPD advises to limit noise exposure and to get regular hearing screens.
