Beverly Hills Hearing Center was founded in 1983 by Bonnie Baehr. Prior to that, Dr. Baehr practiced at the House Ear Clinic in Los Angeles as a staff audiologist for seven years. She was involved with diagnostic testing, hearing aid evaluations, research and rehabilitation. Dr. Baehr did her clinical fellowship training at the Veterans Administration Outpatient Clinic in downtown Los Angeles. She is a member of the American Academy of Audiology, American Speech Language and Hearing Association, California Academy of Audiology and Academy of Doctors of Audiology.
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Experiencing hearing loss can be challenging, both emotionally and physically. One key aspect of maintaining healthy hearing is understanding and adhering to safe sound levels. When individuals are aware of what constitutes a safe sound level, they can adopt lifestyle habits that protect their hearing from damage.
Importance of Safe Sound Levels
Safe sound levels revolve around the maximum decibel (dB) level that one can be exposed to without risking hearing damage. Generally, sounds below 70 dB are considered safe for prolonged listening. However, sounds above 85 dB can lead to hearing loss over time if one is exposed to them repeatedly.
Traffic, construction sites, and household appliances are common sources of exposure to loud sounds in daily life. Recognizing these sources allows individuals to take precautionary measures, which can mitigate the risk of hearing damage and maintain their quality of life.
Effects of Prolonged Exposure to Loud Noise
Prolonged exposure to loud noise can have severe implications for hearing health. Over time, it can lead to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), which is irreversible. NIHL occurs when the hair cells in the inner ear are damaged by loud sounds.
This type of hearing loss doesn’t heal naturally, making prevention incredibly important. The early stages of NIHL may go unnoticed, but continuous exposure can result in significant hearing difficulties. More concerning, this condition can affect individuals of all ages, making awareness and preventive measures key.
Everyday Tips for Protecting Your Ears
Taking simple measures to protect hearing in various environments can make a substantial difference. Wearing earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can significantly reduce exposure to harmful sound levels in noisy environments. Taking breaks from loud environments gives ears a chance to recover.
When listening to music through headphones, it’s helpful to follow the 60/60 rule: listen at no more than 60% of maximum volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time. Using apps to monitor decibel levels in real-time environments can also provide useful insights and help in making safer choices. These habits contribute to long-term hearing health and prevent future problems.
Adapting Habits at Home
Home is a haven, and it can be made safer for hearing with thoughtful habits. Lowering the volume on the television, especially if there’s a lot of background noise, is a good practice. Also, opting for quieter appliances can reduce overall noise pollution in the home.
Creating quiet zones where individuals can retreat from high noise levels for some time each day can be rejuvenating. Such spaces allow the ears to rest and recover. Over time, these adaptations contribute extensively to hearing health.
Hearing Checkups
Frequent hearing checkups allow hearing health professionals to detect early signs of hearing loss and address them promptly. Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes and help manage hearing health more effectively. Moreover, these checkups provide an opportunity to discuss any concerns regarding exposure to loud sounds. Personalized advice and solutions can then be tailored to meet individual needs.
Keeping an open line of communication with a hearing health professional promotes a proactive approach to hearing care. Understanding and practicing safe sound levels can transform one’s approach to hearing health. By taking proactive steps, individuals ensure a better quality of life for themselves and their loved ones.