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September 14, 2005
Hearing loss in younger and younger generations
Masonry worker Scott Lovitt works long hours on a regular basis with heavy machinery. "They saw probably about, hmmm, using it three or four hours today, I know I used the jack hammer for about five hours today," said Scott Lovitt, a worker for Krall's Masonry.
Lovitt said his 30-year-old ears don't hear like they used to, especially when he gets done working with some of his equipment.
With technology booming there's more noise pollution than ever. Many audiologists have seen an increase in younger people with older ears on their young bodies.
"Actually we've been seeing that for some time in this area, we do have a lot of noise recreationally, we have a lot of youngsters who grow up on farms and maybe exposed to heavy machinery, tractor noise, and therefore incurring some hearing lost," said Dr. Mike Dahlke, an audiologist.
Dr. Dahlke said hearing loss can easily be prevented. People working with loud equipment or in noisy environments should wear ear plugs. Also, they should minimize listening to loud music to about an hour a day.
By Jeannie Ray
Posted by 4HL on September 14, 2005 2:40 AM
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