Take a minute for a refresher course on the basics of hearing health in this blog post.
When it comes to your hearing health, there are a lot of resources, advice, and content out there, and sorting your way through it all may feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve gathered some resources about hearing health basics as a helpful refresher course on frequently covered topics.
- Decibel levels of common household items
- How to protect your hearing health
- When to visit your audiologist
- Questions to ask your audiologist at your next visit
- Common hearing health myths
- Additional hearing health resources
Let’s jump in with these basics of hearing health and helpful resources!
Decibel levels of common household items
One of the basics of hearing health is knowing about decibel levels (measuring how loud a sound or object is) and what is a safe level and what is unsafe. Take a look at this helpful guide for what common household appliances are rated. Make sure you’re not exposing yourself to prolonged or high-intensity sounds and using hearing protection when possible.
How to protect your hearing health
There are many ways to protect your hearing health. A conversation with your doctor or audiologist about specific ways to protect yours is a great start. However, there are some general guidelines anyone can follow to protect their hearing health. Make sure to wearing hearing protection, like ear plugs or muffs, whenever you’re around high-noise environments. This can include yard work or snow removal with loud equipment, concerts, sporting events, construction sites, and more. For a general overview of some hearing health frequently asked questions, take a look at this article.
When to visit your audiologist
Knowing when to visit your audiologist (or set up your first appointment) is important to your hearing health. If you notice differences or changes in your hearing, balance, or just want to check in for a baseline appointment, schedule a visit with your hearing health specialist. You may also want to talk about new hearing tech, ideas about how to implement additional assistive devices or hearing aids, or ask any other questions you may have for your audiologist.
Questions to ask your audiologist at your next visit
Your audiologist will always be the best resource for your specific hearing-related questions. Bringing questions to your audiologist is the perfect way to get the conversation going. Here’s a guide on starter questions to ask your audiologist – consider if any of these apply to you, then raise them at your next appointment. This is not an all-inclusive list. Don’t shy away from asking anything else that you have questions about. That’s what your audiologist is there for!
Common hearing health myths
Knowing some common hearing health myths is just as important as knowing the basics of hearing health; it’s important to ensure you’re following doctor guidelines or the guidelines of a trusted professional. Take a look at some common hearing misconceptions here, and be sure to discuss any ideas or changes in your hearing health with your audiologist.
Additional hearing health resources
When talking about the basics of hearing health, it’s important to have trusted sources of information. The CDC is a great resource to lean on when you have a question, but always consult your doctor or audiologist for advice. They know the details of your medical history and will be able to give you the most tailored advice. Other organizations include the HLAA (Hearing Loss Association of America), which provides hearing loss support and hosts many exciting events each year. The Hearing Health Foundation and the NAD (National Association of the Deaf) also offer a variety of resources including the latest news in hearing health, resources and support, answers to questions, breakthroughs in technology, and even social involvement.
As always, the CapTel blog provides helpful information and resources for the hearing-loss community. Check out the blog for more reading on hearing health, ear care, and more!
