This past week, President Trump claimed the noise from wind turbines causes cancer. I’ve never spent time close to a turbine (I didn’t know they made noise other than whoosh) so I can’t speak to that directly, but if sound causes cancer, it’s a wonder more people don’t have it. We live in a very noisy world.
Hearing is something we take for granted until it’s gone, and once it’s gone, it won’t come back. Continuous loud noises can damage your hearing or cause other hearing problems like tinnitus (a ringing sound in your ears that won’t go away). The louder a sound is, and the longer you listen to it, the more it damages your hearing. Hearing aids can restore some hearing, but they cost about the same as a used car or small home remodeling project.
During the summers, concerts are held in the park down a block and across the river from our house. I can hear the music clearly, including the words to the song, inside my house with all the windows shut and the AC running. I’ve never figured out why the volume has to be that high. The people attending the concert must be deaf, and the sound system people are for sure. Music sounds much better at levels easy to be heard, but not loud enough to vibrate every cell in your body. If sound causes cancer, the CDC should check out concert goers first.
Good hearing protection costs way less than hearing aids. Hubby and I wear hearing protection when we go to see movies. The ear plugs cut out the blurring of the dialog and music that loudness puts in. Not only are we protecting our hearing, but we’re hearing much better. Seems odd that ear plug would make it the sounds clearer, but try it and see for yourself.
Maybe someday a hearing aid company will sell stock, and I’ll buy some. People attending concerts, indoor hotrod shows, and such will eventually need them. People who constantly use earbuds while playing music so loud people walking by can hear it will need them. People driving the cars with the base booming so loud the ground is moving in their wake will need them. Seems like a sure-fire investment with good returns.
Guard your hearing religiously. Invest in hearing protection. The small foam ear plugs fit easily in pockets and purses for use anytime. Save your hearing for your grandchildren and your great-grandchildren. You’ll be glad you did.
Good thoughts. Just a couple of weeks ago hubby and son-in-law were going target shooting. Pregnant daughter had to stay home because shooting can evidently damage the hearing of an unborn infant. Hard to imagine, but then again…
Good advice! Hubby and I both wear hearing protection whenever we’re operating lawn mowers, chain saws, weed eaters, etc. We don’t go to concerts, but when we go to the movies, we take ear plugs. I like to think we’ll still be able to hear when we’re old and gray. Wait… Um, we might already be there. :p
Good thoughts Carol. I have super hearing (hyper accuses) while living with a hearing impaired husband and deaf MIL, makes life a challenge. I often am found with earplugs in my ears, usually when they don’t have their hearing aids in. I have also found them useful to clearly hear volumes that are too loud. I’m sure it must look funny to some if they notice me putting them in at church- some preachers just don’t need that microphone! Ha