Did you know that… Deafness is America’s number one birth defect and leading disability?

The June 6 issue of Newsweek featured a cover story on hearing loss citing startling statistics: More than 28 million Americans of all ages have some degree of hearing loss, from mild to severe, and the number is expected to soar in the coming years – reaching an astounding 78 million by 2030. Hearing loss is increasingly recognized as a public-health issue. Although the chronic din of ordinary life is higher than ever, reducing excessive noise can improve your health and quality of life, no matter your age. The Children’s Hearing Institute offers the following tips for preserving the hearing of you, your kids and your parents

Protecting your hearing should be part of your lifestyle:

• If you suspect your child may be experiencing a developmental delay, consult a physician for a hearing screening. Hearing loss can occur at any age. The average age of diagnosis of hearing loss is close to age 3.


• Keep volume on iPods, televisions, stereos and radios at a reasonable level.


• Wear earplugs at noisy work sites and while operating power tools.


• Keep your distance from speakers at concerts, festivals and sporting events.


• Stay clear of July 4 firecrackers and skyrockets.


• If you have problems hearing, consult a physician to determine if you need a hearing aid or cochlear implant to prevent further hearing loss. Noise-induced hearing loss is growing among baby boomers. Of the more than 75 million Americans born between 1945 and 1964, 20.4% or 16 million suffer some degree of hearing loss. Age-related hearing loss affects 1 in 3 Americans over 65. Nearly 1 in every 2 Americans over 75 and 4 out of 5 over the age of 85 impairing communication & social skills.

For further information on how to protect your hearing, visit “Wise Ears,” a public awareness campaign organized by The National Institute on Deafness and Communication Disorders, The National Institutes of Health: http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/wiseears.asp