Study Finds Noise-Related Hearing Loss Not Limited to Work Exposure
A CDC survey found millions have hearing damage even when their hearing is perceived as excellen
A new survey from the CDC found that one in four U.S. adults who say their hearing is good or excellent actually have hearing damage, according to a report. Much of this damage, according to the agency, is from loud sounds that occur every day at home.
On a granular level, the study found that 20 percent of people who reported no job-related noise exposure had hearing damage in a pattern caused by noise. This damage appeared as early in a person’s life as the age of 20.
The agency says too much noise exposure from things like using a leaf blower or going to concerts can damage a person’s hearing just as much as working in a noisy place.
“40 million Americans show some hearing damage from loud noise, with nearly 21 million reporting no exposure to loud noise at work," said CDC Acting Director Dr. Anne Schuchat. “This can be distressing for people affected and their loved ones. We hope this report will help raise awareness of this problem and help clinicians reduce their patients’ risk for early hearing loss.”