Prolonged exposure to noise causes a third of hearing loss in adulthood. Loud sounds—which can
occur in a workplace, environmental or recreational setting— can damage ears and lead to persistent
tinnitus and hearing impairment.
This type of hearing loss affects the perception of high-pitched sounds, leading to difficulties in
speech discrimination. Typically, people can hear the sounds but not understand what is being said.
Some describe it as ‘trying to listen to someone speaking with marbles in their mouth’.
Unaddressed hearing loss affects how people connect and communicate; this can profoundly affect
language development in children and hamper communication among adults. In older adults,
unaddressed hearing loss is associated with mental and physical declines and with higher rates of
age-related dementia.*
Here in Australia, nearly 50% of young people are exposed to unsafe sound levels from using
personal audio devices. Around 40% of under-35- year-olds are regularly exposed to damaging sound
levels at clubs and bars.
Practising safe listening is one of the simplest ways to prevent hearing loss caused by
recreational exposure to noise. Follow this advice:
- Listen to personal audio systems at a volume level below 60% of the maximum as this helps reduce
the risk of hearing loss and tinnitus. - Use carefully fitted noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs when using power tools or in noisy
environments. - Identify hearing loss and treat it when recommended.
Workers with hearing impairment resulting from a noisy work environment can access assistance
through a special program for industrial deafness. Jervis Bay Hearing Centre specialises in
supporting workers and providing customised hearing solutions to help people hear again. As
well as hearing aids, we also provide implantable solutions like the Cochlear Implant. You can
access services and receive a medicare rebate when seen by our Specialist Audiologist, Alison
Chiam. - Reference: Dr Frank Lin, University of California
Jervis Bay Hearing Centre
Ulladulla | Sussex Inlet | Vincentia
268 Green Street, Ulladulla | 4455 6000
6 St George Avenue, Vincentia | 4441 8886
support@jervisbayhearingcentre.com.au
