With nine million people in the UK suffering from deafness or having a hearing impairment, specialists at Heartlands Hospital are working hard to raise awareness of how you can avoid hearing loss.

Dr Gary Norman, consultant clinical scientist at Heartlands Hospital, says: “The most common cause of hearing loss is the aging process, which can’t be controlled, but another major cause is over exposure to loud noises.  Sounds above 80 decibels, such as the noise of a motorbike, a power saw or a loud rock concert can permanently damage the sensitive structures of the inner ear. It is really important that people are aware of looking after their ears – even every day items such as ipods or walkmans can have an impact.”

Dr Gary Norman’s Deaf Awareness Week top tips on avoiding damage:

• If you notice ringing noises in your ears or dullness following noise exposure, it can be a warning sign that any further exposure may lead to permanent damage.
• If you experience any discomfort listening to loud music, either leave or turn it down.
• Have regular breaks when listening to music, aim for ten minutes every hour.
• Don’t use cotton wool as earplugs.
• Get your hearing checked by a hearing healthcare professional every three years.

For more information on the affect of noise or on hearing protection, contact the Hearing Centre at Heartlands Hospital on (0121) 4240888.