Every day more and more people—both young and old—are asking, “What did you say?” or “Huh?” According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, 1 in 5 American teenagers suffer from some type of hearing loss. This is an increase of 31 percent since the mid 1990’s. The most likely cause of this is exposure to loud sounds.

Some of the things that can cause a hearing loss are using items such as iPods, lawn mowers, weed eaters, chain saws and hair dryers consistently and for too long a time. Even battery operated razors can have too high of a noise level. Some firearms have a noise exposure level of 120-150 decibels. These highs are extremely damaging. As little as 3 shots of a high-powered pistol or rifle have the possibility to cause a permanent hearing loss. If you cannot avoid the loud sounds, wear ear protection, every time. Otherwise, turn the volume down. Or you may be the next one saying “Huh?”

For more information about hearing loss and for all your ear, nose and throat care needs, Dr. Pate is available by appointment at (318) 445-3653.