How to Avoid Hearing Loss
Dr. Richard Barnes, an otolaryngologist and head and neck surgeon at Des Peres Hospital, explains how to avoid noise-induced hearing loss.
You can wear a helmet to protect your head, gloves for your hands and safety glasses for your eyes. You also can take steps to protect your ears from hearing loss that can affect your ability to understand normal speech. Noise-induced hearing loss can occur painlessly and over an extended period of time. But it doesn’t have to. Dr. Richard Barnes, otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) and head and neck surgeon on staff at Des Peres Hospital, provides some guidance. “Hearing loss happens in the inner ear where small bones help transfer sound vibrations to different cells and nerves,” Barnes said. “The brain then interprets these signals as sounds such as music, a baby crying or dog barking. Very loud, prolonged noises can …
