Listen Up

An iPod owner recently sued Apple, claiming the device caused him to suffer hearing loss. The federal lawsuit stated that these portable MP3 players are "inherently defective in design and are not sufficiently adorned with adequate warnings regarding the likelihood of hearing loss." Apple has sold almost 50 million iPods since they were introduced in 2001, which begs the question, will our beloved iPods be the cause of a worldwide hearing loss catastrophe? Okay, maybe that's a little dramatic. But nowadays, whether you're exercising at the gym or doing schoolwork, it's almost second nature to pop in your earbud-style headphones and crank up the tunes. It was once assumed that the elderly and young iPod-listening generations were the most susceptible, but recently there have been concerning studies exposing hearing loss in baby boomers. Perhaps this is the effect of loud rock concerts and increasing noise pollution over the years, but it is the clear that the iPod isn't the only culprit. Industrial workplaces, sirens, lawn mowers and other loud machinery can cause impaired hearing over time. It is unfortunate to lose hearing due to genetics or a medical condition, but noise induced hearing loss can easily be prevented. Because most hearing loss is gradual, it often goes unnoticed. Fortunately, there are several signs to look for, including the following: if you have been exposed to high noise levels without adequate ear protection, if it appears that everyone is mumbling or not speaking clearly, if you are straining to hear conversations at work or home, if you have a family history of hearing loss, if you find yourself reading lips instead of hearing what people are saying, if you frequently need things repeated, if you increase the television or radio to a volume that is too loud for others or if you have been exposed to ototoxic medications. To prevent these symptoms, stay away from loud or prolonged noises when possible. Wear earplugs at concerts and loud dance clubs. Also, don't listen to your iPod at levels higher than 100 decibels (volume level 6 on MP3 players) for more than one hour a day.

For those who have sensorineural hearing loss, there are four basic types of hearing aids available. There are in-the-ear, which fit completely in the outer ear; behind-the-ear, which is worn behind the ear and is connected to a plastic earmold that fits inside the outer ear; canal aids, which fit into the ear canal; and body aids, which are attached to a belt or pocket and connected to the ear by a wire. At first, the aid might be uncomfortable, your voice may sound too loud or you may hear too much background noise. These problems are common and usually correct themselves during the adjustment period.

HEARx, one of the nation's most respected hearing care providers, recommends an annual hearing check-up for people age 45 and up. They will conduct a free hearing screening and if hearing loss is detected, the professionals at HEARx will prescribe an appropriate hearing instrument to fit your lifestyle. The type and size of the hearing aid will depend on the severity and type of the hearing loss. At first, wearing a hearing aid can make you feel insecure or frustrated, but overall, it will improve your quality of life. Although wearing a hearing aid will not completely restore hearing, cutting-edge technology has allowed the devices to be made smaller and more stylish.

A study showed that 28 million people in the United States have hearing loss that could be easily improved with the use of a hearing aid, but only eight million people seek help. There's no reason to suffer. If you feel that you need a mechanical listening device, visit an audiologist or hearing instrument specialist for an exam.

- Janine Cheviot

The professionals at HEARx conduct free hearing screenings to remind everyone that now is the best time to listen to sound advice about hearing. HEARx has over 30 hearing health care centers in New York and New Jersey. To find the location nearest you, call (800) 698-6767 or visit www.hearusa.com.