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Hear the World Foundation Releases International Study: How the World HearsYoung Americans are exposing themselves to a high risk of losing their hearing with 60% of teenagers and young adults revealing they listen to at least an hour of music a day through headphones, 15% doing so at very high or maximum volumes. Tellingly, just 38% of all Americans surveyed are aware that hearing loss is irreversible. Among the fascinating insights into our listening behavior found in the "How the World Hears" study conducted by the Hear the World Foundation is the revelation that of the 88% of Americans surveyed who agreed that good hearing is important to them, only 9% take steps to always protect themselves from everyday noise. Hear the World is a very strong proponent of people taking simple steps to protect against the excessive noise often experienced in daily life and the survey unearths a low level of public awareness to the long-term impact of hearing loss with just 38% of all Americans surveyed aware that hearing loss is irreversible. Our ears are our most powerful sensory organ but also our most sensitive. They are in use 24 hours a day and have a significant influence on our physical and mental well-being. Nevertheless, we often underestimate the significance of hearing in a world dominated by the power of visuals. The Hear the World Foundation has addressed this issue in a far-reaching international study of hearing habits titled "How the World Hears". The survey shines a spotlight on our listening behavior and how aware we are about hearing and hearing loss.1 Key facts at a glance:
"The results of this survey are very concerning, although based on my clinical experiences with children and young adults, I am not at all surprised," said Jace Wolfe (News - Alert), PhD, Director of Audiology and Research, Hearts for Hearing Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK. "We routinely see teenagers with hearing loss that was formerly only seen in middle-aged and elderly persons or people who work in industrial or military environments with high-level noise. The configuration of their hearing loss strongly points toward noise as the cause, and when queried about their otologic history, they almost invariably report that they frequently listen to music at high levels under earphones. "I must say, however, that I am very encouraged that this survey found a direct link between people's listening behaviors and their awareness of hearing loss and the dangers of high-level noise exposure," he commented. "Obviously, it is imperative that healthcare professionals raise awareness of the importance of good hearing and of hearing preservation in order to prevent unnecessary hearing loss and the permanent, life-altering effects associated with it."
You can find further information on the study and on hearing and hearing loss at www.hear-the-world.com. About the Hear the World Foundation By supporting the charitable Hear the World Foundation, Sonova is campaigning for equal opportunities and a better quality of life for people with hearing loss. As a leading manufacturer of hearing care solutions, the company feels socially responsible for contributing towards a world where everyone has the chance to enjoy good hearing. For instance, the Hear the World Foundation supports disadvantaged people with hearing loss around the world and gets involved in prevention and providing information. It focuses particularly on projects for children with hearing loss, to enable them to develop at the appropriate rate for their age. More than 90 famous ambassadors, including celebrities such as Plácido Domingo, Annie Lennox, Sting and Joss Stone, champion the Hear the World Foundation. For further information, go to www.hear-the-world.com. Connect with us at http://www.facebook.com/CanYouHearTheWorld
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