Combatting Noise Pollution on Earth Day
FARMINGTON HILLS, MI – April 19, 2023 – Sound pollution is a very real threat to one of your most precious natural resources—your hearing. International Hearing Society (IHS) is pleased to raise awareness on how people can protect, preserve, and enhance this important resource and save the environment simultaneously on Earth Day on April 22, 2023, and throughout the year.
According to the World Health Organization*, by the year 2050, nearly 2.5 billion people are projected to have some degree of hearing loss and at least 700 million will require hearing rehabilitation. More than one billion young adults are at risk of permanent, avoidable hearing loss due to unsafe listening practices. The U. S. National Institutes of Health** concurs with these numbers and reports that approximately 15% of American adults (37.5 million) aged 18 and over report some trouble hearing. IHS members, comprised of hearing aid specialists from around the world, are engaged in helping people minimize the effects of noise pollution and delivering hearing healthcare to individuals in local communities.
IHS encourages individuals to follow these three steps to make an impact on their hearing and our environment:
Recognize that sound pollution is everywhere. We live in a noisy world. Oftentimes, the first sign of hearing loss is one turning up the volume on the television, the radio, or their earbuds. This not only perpetuates the problem for the individual, but others around them who may ask you to reduce the volume. Wearing sound protection in noisy environments like when mowing the lawn or at concern venues can help reduce the risk of noise-induced hearing loss. Early detection of hearing loss and intervention can protect one’s hearing and may reduce the risk for cognitive decline and dementia. Make an appointment to see a hearing aid specialist or other hearing healthcare provider to determine if you have a hearing loss and, if so, discover the best options for treatment. A professionally fit hearing aid can enable you to turn down excessive sounds to preserve the remainder of your hearing. You can find a qualified hearing healthcare professional at ihsinfo.org.
Recycle – Most hearing aids in existence today operate on zinc oxide batteries. When they have used their energy, recycle those used batteries and reduce the amount of waste in landfills. You can also recycle your old devices when you upgrade to newer rechargeables hearing aids. Talk with your hearing healthcare provider about ways you can recycle used batteries, devices, and/or obtain new rechargeable hearing aids.
Recharge – Hearing aids have significantly evolved in recent years. No longer are they large and bulky. Today’s hearing aids are not only small and stylish, but rechargeable — reducing the constant need for batteries.
IHS President Patrick Kochanowski, BS, ACA, BC-HIS, noted, “I am so proud of the work being done by IHS members to move hearing healthcare in a direction that improves people’s hearing AND protects the environment. As an avid outdoorsman and hearing healthcare professional, I encourage people to be good stewards of nature and their hearing. Take time this Earth Day to combat sound pollution by protecting your hearing and make regular hearing healthcare checks with a qualified professional an annual habit. If you need help finding a hearing aid specialist, check out IHS’ online professional directory at ihsinfo.org.”
Learn more about the latest hearing healthcare news at ihsinfo.org/about/news.
* https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/deafness-and-hearing-loss
**https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-hearing
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Media Contact:
Sandra den Boer
Editorial, PR, and Sales Director
International Hearing Society
P: 734-522-7200, ext. 114
E: sdenboer@ihsinfo.org