On November 6, the American Hearing Research Foundation will join forces with local band Scatteredtrees to raise awareness of noise-induced hearing loss. The band will be playing at the Beat Kitchen at 2100 W. Belmont.
The AHRF will be giving out free earplugs to concert-goers and will have information available on noise-induced hearing loss, a major problem for musicians and music fans.
Please come out and join us at this event! To listen to Scatteredtrees, click here.
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Facts
- Noise-induced hearing loss is cumulative, permanent and preventable.
- Twenty-five percent of the work force in the United States is regularly exposed to potentially damaging noise
- One in every ten (28 million) Americans has hearing loss. As baby boomers reach retirement age starting in 2010, this number is expected to rapidly climb and nearly double by the year 2030.
- The prevalence of hearing loss increases with age, up to 1 in 3 over age 65. Most hearing losses develop over a period of 25 to 30 years.
- Among seniors, hearing loss is the third most prevalent, but treatable disabling condition, behind arthritis and hypertension.
- While the vast majority of Americans (95%) with hearing loss could be successfully treated with hearing aids, only 22% (6.35 million individuals) currently use them. Only 5% of hearing loss in adults can be improved through medical or surgical treatment.
Warning Signs
- You can’t hear someone three feet away.
- You have pain in your ears after leaving a noisy area.
- You hear a ringing or buzzing (tinnitus) in your ears immediately after exposure to noise.
- You have difficulty understanding speech.
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