The Sounds of Summer
Be proactive about protecting your hearing BY ARIZONA COMMISSION FOR THE DEAF & The Hard of Hearing and Arizona Relay Service Enjoying a day with friends and family and watching fireworks is priceless, and so is protecting your hearing. A recent study by the Acoustical Society of America states that every time we are exposed to loud noises without ear protection, we may be losing cochlear nerve fibers and increasing our degree of hearing impairment. From the loud noises of fireworks to the music of an outdoor concert, there are many factors that can affect your hearing ability. And while the majority of problems can be avoided through proper care and prevention, such as using ear plugs, chances are you have been exposed to some levels of dangerous noise. In fact, there are thousands of individuals in Arizona living with hearing loss and they don’t even know it. Here are some tips to safeguard your hearing over this festive holiday. How do you protect your hearing and
enjoy the fireworks and concerts? Use ear plugs. Carrying a pair of ear plugs to wear around loud noises is a great way to ensure the safety of your hearing. The plugs create a barrier between your ear and the noise, allowing you to enjoy your event at a safe noise level. Hearing protectors are also a great option. Unlike ear plugs, hearing protectors can be custom-made to fit your ears comfortably. You can see a hearing healthcare professional, such as an audiologist, for more information on these protectors. Also, sit at a comfortable distance from the display or speakers. The further you can sit from the source of the sound, the better. Or watch the fireworks from inside a home or car. You will be far enough away from the loud noise, and close enough to still enjoy the beautiful display. Making sure to be proactive and taking precautions to protect your hearing is
beneficial. Even though aging is the main contributor to hearing loss, noises such as fireworks, loud cars and music can take a toll over time and lead to accelerated hearing loss. How do you know if you may be damaging your hearing? While you are out enjoying the fireworks and festivities, if you experience any of the following, it might be time to have your hearing checked:
Ringing or buzzing in the ears that lasts more than a few hours.
Slight muffling of sounds
Difficulty in understanding speech. You can hear all the words, but you can’t understand them.
(Special to LLAF)
or concerns you may have regarding hearing protection, especially during the Fourth of July, Arizona Relay Service and the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ACDHH) have a great deal of helpful information at their disposal.
Difficulty in hearing conversation
in groups of people when there is background noise. Make sure to be proactive this summer and take steps to ensure sound hearing for years to come. For any other questions
For more information on the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing, visit acdhh.org. For information on Arizona Relay Service, visit azrelay.org.
Fin d Yo ur
I NNE R Z EN Enjoy independent living at one of the premier apartment communities for 55+ active seniors! Convenienly located near Desert Ridge Marketplace, Paradise Valley Mall, and Kierland Commons. Be surrounded by the top restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and events in the North Phoenix/ Scottsdale area. Amenities include a swimming pool, spa, and covered parking. Newly renovated and pet-friendly, our community will satisfy all your living needs!
Have an adult family member or friend you’d like to have live with you?
Now You Can.
At Zen Senior Living, as long as the child or family member is over 21 and the main renter is over 55, you can do just that!
Additional amenities include: • Newly remodeled oversized apartment homes • Full size washer & dryer units • Dog park • Bocce Ball court
11645 N. 25th Place Phoenix, AZ 85028 | 855-426-7294 | zenseniorliving.com www.LovinLifeAfter50.com
JULY 2017 |
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