{"id":1893,"date":"2019-12-06T10:03:07","date_gmt":"2019-12-06T17:03:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.swient.com\/?p=1893"},"modified":"2020-11-13T14:37:09","modified_gmt":"2020-11-13T21:37:09","slug":"make-the-holidays-bright-and-noise-free","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.swient.com\/make-the-holidays-bright-and-noise-free\/","title":{"rendered":"Make the Holidays Bright (and Noise-Free)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Noise is the top cause of hearing loss in Boise and Nampa<\/strong>. Unlike age-related hearing loss<\/a>, it can affect anybody\u2014even kids. Sure, potentially damaging noise can occur at a concert or sporting event, but there are some less-obvious sources, as well…such as the presents beneath your Christmas tree.<\/p>\n

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Statistics<\/h2>\n

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Approximately 15 percent of all Americans experience noise-induced hearing loss<\/a> (NIHL). When you\u2019re exposed to sounds exceeding 85 decibels (dB)<\/strong>, the tiny hair cells in your inner ear<\/strong> can experience permanent damage<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

How does noise-related hearing loss impact children?<\/h3>\n

High frequencies are affected first, but hearing loss is progressive<\/strong>, and will only grow worse with time. The problem is especially acute in children, who are at risk for speech-language delays<\/strong> that can negatively affect their social and academic performance.<\/p>\n

How common is dangerous noise in Idaho?<\/h3>\n

An estimated 30-50 million people in the U.S.<\/strong> are exposed to dangerous volume levels every day<\/strong>, including about half of all Boise and Nampa teenagers<\/strong> and young adults aged 12 to 35.<\/p>\n

Can noise-related hearing loss be prevented?<\/h3>\n

Fortunately, NIHL can be prevented. Wearing hearing protection<\/a> when participating in noisy activities, keeping the volume set to no more than 60 percent of maximum<\/strong> when listening to music through earbuds and headphones and taking the steps to reduce exposure to noise as much as possible are the best ways to protect your hearing.<\/p>\n

Keep Your Children Safe this Holiday Season<\/h2>\n

Your Boise audiologist warns that many of today\u2019s most popular toys could cause your child long-term hearing damage. Tried-and-true favorites that have delighted generations of kids aren\u2019t immune; toy cap guns (105-110 dB), whistles (106 dB), keyboards (104 dB) and drums (103 dB) all make the list. Even rattles (102 dB) can be dangerous!<\/p>\n

How loud are common children’s toys?<\/h3>\n

You can help preserve their hearing by discouraging them from asking Santa for the following unsafe toys<\/a> (peak dB levels are noted in parentheses):<\/p>\n