Here’s what you can do to prevent hearing loss

By Patricia Nugent

Noise-induced hearing loss is the third most common chronic condition in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control.

For most people, sadly, it often goes untreated, and research has linked hearing loss to increased risk of falling, depression, anxiety, memory loss and dementia.

According to Dr. Jane Kukula, founder of Advanced Audiology Concepts The Hearing Center in Mentor, although noise-induced loss is not repairable—once the delicate auditory nerves are damaged, it is permanent—the condition is preventable.

Since October is Hearing Loss Prevention month, we caught up with Dr. Jane to find out more about how hearing loss can be avoided.

“What makes loud noise harmful is a combination of both how many decibels it is, and how long the ear has to tolerate it,” she explains.

“For instance, a sound of 85-decibels volume would be safe for eight hours. After that, for every three decibels louder, the length of time it’s safe is cut in half. So for 88 decibels, it would be safe for four hours, for 91 decibels only for two hours.” Here are some more tips:

• If you are exposed suddenly to a loud noise, such as a jackhammer on the street, or speakers at a concert or event, move yourself away from them.
• If you have a job with loud noises, wear earmuffs, earplugs, or both if necessary.
• Take care when listening to music, especially through earphones.
• At age 40, you should obtain a baseline hearing test.

New Audiologist on Staff
The Hearing Center has recently welcomed a new audiologist, Dr. Danielle Hoenig.

“Originally from the New York area, Dr. Hoenig is the perfect fit with our patient-centered approach to care,” says Dr. Jane. “Her additional training in pediatrics, as well as experience and strong family values, makes her an asset to our team.”

Dr. Hoenig’s duties mirror Dr. Jane’s. She evaluates patients, makes recommenda-tions for necessary amplification, fits the best aids to each patient and provides fol-low-up care.

Rounding out the professional team is Jocelyn, an audiology student who is doing her clinical study at The Hearing Center through next summer.

Advanced Audiology Concepts The Hearing Center is located at 8897 Mentor Avenue in Mentor. New office hours are Monday-Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call 440-205-8848, or visit AAChear.org, for more information.