Deaf Awareness

LISTEN LOUD AND LOSE IT

Here is a serious message that needs to be heard by our children, grandchildren and possibly even ourselves!

Nearly half of New Zealand’s youth have potentially damaged their hearing by the time they reach 25 years of age.

This startling fact was revealed in the National Foundation for the Deaf’s latest survey to launch Deaf Awareness Week 2008 with the message “Listen Loud and Lose It.”

The Market Knowledge survey conducted with 18-25 year olds showed 48% of respondents have experienced ringing in the ears for a few hours, or more, after listening to music.  Of those who have experienced ringing or dullness in the ears, 94% have suffered for a day or more.

Commonly known as tinnitus this ringing, buzzing or humming in the ears is often the first sign of hearing damage.

Marianne Schumacher, executive manager of the NFD, says it is so important to educate Generation Y about how to enjoy music so they don’t pay for it later.

“Prolonged exposure to excessive noise can lead to permanent hearing loss. While this doesn’t threaten lives, it has a major impact on a person’s quality of life through impaired communication and the social isolation that hearing loss can bring.”

Here are some simple tips to promote to our music loving generation:

When you see someone listening to an MP3 Player

• Encourage regular breaks from the headphones/earplugs to give the ears a rest

• Turn down the volume a notch – even a small reduction in volume can make a big difference to the risk of hearing damage

• If they have a ‘smart volume’ feature  or ‘volume restriction’ encourage them to use it

When they are on their way to a live gig / concert

• Encourage them to wear re-usable earplugs designed for listening to loud music at clubs and concerts

• Use chill out areas if they are available to give ears a rest every so often

• Stand away from loud speakers

For further information: click here, or visit the NFD site – www.nfd.org.nz

The NFD (National Foundation for the Deaf) promotes the interests of nearly half a million deaf and hearing impaired New Zealanders.

We focus on breaking down barriers for people with hearing loss.  We promote the appreciation of good sound.  And we encourage all New Zealanders to protect and preserve their hearing.