Overview

Hearing loss can occur:

• in children and affect communication, language, and social skills.
• in occupational settings and result in permanent injury for workers.
• due to loud noise near the ear or repeated exposure to loud noise.

Exposure to loud noise can lead to noise-induced hearing loss. Noise-induced hearing loss can be caused by participating in activities that produce harmful sound levels or by repeated exposures to loud sounds.

Some examples of noisy activities include:

• Watching summer fireworks on the 4th of July
• Mowing the lawn
• Using power tools
• Watching a sports game and cheering on your favorite team
• Attending a concert

Recognize early signs of noise-induced hearing loss and take steps to protect your hearing.