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News about developments in hearing healthcare are posted.
HEARING LOSS AND LIVING IN TODAY'S WORLD
Roberta Singer
The noise of modern life causes permanent hearing damage to many U.S. adults who don't even suspect they've experienced a loss. A leaf blower operates at 90 decibels, and can cause hearing damage after two hours of exposure. A live sporting event generates 100 decibels of noise, and damages hearing after 14 minutes of exposure. A rock concert generates 110 decibels, damaging hearing within two minutes. A siren produces 120 decibels of noise, damaging hearing within one minute. About 53 percent of adults with noise-induced hearing damage reported no exposure to loud sounds while on the job, according to the study from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2/7/17).
MYTH: Hearing loss happens only to old people.
Roberta Singer
TRUTH: 40 percent of the 48 million Americans with hearing loss are younger than 60. Hearing loss does accelerate with age though. Almost 30 percent of those between ages 50 and 59 suffer from some degree of impaired hearing in one or both ears; 45 percent of people between 60 and 69 have impaired hearing; and three-quarters of those older than 70 do. (Craig Newman, Ph.D., AARP The Magazine, June/July 2015)
HEARING AID TAX CREDIT REINTRODUCED BY SENATORS
Roberta Singer
From The Hearing Review (January 12, 2017)
Senators Dean Heller (R-NV) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) have reintroduced the bipartisan Hearing Aid Tax Credit (S. 48) which, if enacted, would provide a $500 credit or $1,000 credit (if two aids are necessary) to people of all ages who need a hearing aid to address their hearing loss. For more information about the bill, visit: www.hearingaidtaxcredit.org. At this website you can also send a letter to your senators urging them to support this legislation.
Hearing Loss and Iron Deficiency - Relationship Found
Roberta Singer
A new study (JAMA Otolaryngology) shows a strong link between anemia and hearing loss. Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine researchers suggest that reduced blood flow associated with the reduction of red blood cells in anemia may cause damage to the inner ear. Iron deficiency anemia may reduce oxygen to the important tissues in the cochlea. Note: Eat dark green leafy vegetables, beans, dried fruit and possibly red meat.