Welcome to North Shore Health Department North Shore Health Department Highlights 10/16/2018 Did you know? October is National Protect Your Hearing Month, a time to raise awareness about noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and steps you can take to prevent it. Loud noises can cause permanent hearing loss. Once hearing is gone, you can’t get it back. Hearing loss from loud noise can be prevented. About 70% of people exposed to loud noise never or seldom wear hearing protection. Repeated exposure to loud noise over the years can damage your hearing—even long after exposure has stopped. Everyday sounds typically do not damage your hearing. However, many people participate in activities that produce harmful sound levels, such as attending loud sporting events and music concerts and using power tools. Loud sound can damage sensitive parts of the ear, causing hearing loss, ringing or buzzing in the ear and increased sensitivity to sound. Repeated exposure to loud noise over the years affects how well you hear later in life and how quickly you develop hearing problems. What can you do to protect your hearing? · Turn down the volume of the TV, radio, or music. · If listening to loud music, take listening breaks to reduce your exposure. · Use quieter products (power tools, toys, recreational vehicles) whenever they are available. · Reduce equipment noise by replacing worn, loose, or unbalanced machine parts. Keep equipment well lubricated and maintained. · Use hearing protection devices (such as earplugs and earmuffs) when you cannot avoid loud sounds. · Make hearing protection convenient. Stash earplugs in your car or workshop for easy access. · Keep children away from loud music or equipment at home. For more information visit: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/hearing_loss/default.html Missed the highlights? Click here to view previous highlights.