Many types of hearing loss are associated with the aging process. It is not commonly known that noise-induced hearing loss is on the rise among children and young adults and can be the cause of significant premature hearing loss.

Noise-induced hearing loss usually happens slowly. It is something you cannot see, and there is no pain. So, the typical teenager who takes his or her good health for granted does not realize how much damage is actually being done.

Hearing loss might seem as remote as Alzheimer's disease -- something to be faced years from now. Once the damage is done, however, there is no going back. The hearing loss is permanent and hearing aids are the only solution.

Repeated exposure to loud sounds causes wear and tear on the delicate structures of the inner ear. This is much like constant walking on your lawn. If the grass is subjected to constant traffic, it soon loses its ability to spring back and becomes permanently damaged. The louder and more frequent the exposure to loud noise, the more damage is done to the delicate hair cell structures in the inner ear.

So, how loud is too loud? Noise can be described in terms of intensity -- perceived as loudness and measured in decibels. Even sounds perceived as comfortably loud can be harmful.

Permanent hearing loss from loud concerts is becoming increasingly common. Have you ever left a concert unable to hear as well or with a ringing in your ears? Guess what, you already have done damage to your hearing.

Rock star Pete Townshend, of The Who, and most of the heavy metal group Metallica will tell you that they don't hear as well as they used to. Excessive noise has permanently damaged their hearing.

The good news is that noise-induced hearing loss is preventable. You can make "hearing health" a part of your lifestyle. Stay away from loud and prolonged noise. Use ear protection when you are in high levels of noise. Most importantly, turn down the volume.

We can teach children about how to protect their ears. If you suspect that you or your child has hearing loss, have your or your child's hearing checked. An audiologist can check your hearing, talk to you about your hearing, advise you on ways to prevent hearing loss and let you know if you are a candidate for a hearing aid.

May is Better Speech and Hearing Month. The Mount Nittany Medical Center Audiology Department is offering free hearing screenings to the public throughout the month.

To schedule an appointment, call 234-6106.

By Bev Huff