Sound Knowledge
Hearing Loss Facts

Below are some important facts about hearing loss:

• Hearing loss is the second most common complaint among older adults after arthritis.
  
• 90% of hearing loss cases can be treated successfully with the use of hearing instruments, while the remaining 10% can be helped by surgery or other medical treatment.
• Noise above 80-90 decibels on average over an 8-hour workday is considered hazardous.
  
• Physicians seldom screen for hearing loss.
  
• Firearms, music, airplanes, lawnmowers, power tools and many appliances are louder than 80 decibels and potentially hazardous to hearing with prolonged exposure.
  
• A live rock concert produces sounds from 110 to 120 decibels — easily high enough to cause permanent damage to hearing over a 2- to 3-hour period.