Health
Be well: Prevent hearing loss with these 6 expert tips
About 48 million Americans have some degree of hearing loss — and most of them wait several years before seeking help, according to the Hearing Loss Association of America, a nonprofit advocacy group based in Rockville, Maryland.
“Sound-induced hearing damage is irreversible and commonly associated with other hearing disorders, such as tinnitus,” said Steve Taddei, doctor of audiology at HearAdvisor, an online information resource for people in need of hearing aids.
“Fortunately, this type of hearing loss is almost completely preventable with a little education and minor effort,” the Illinois-based Taddei told Fox News Digital.
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Here, he shares some safe listening practices to help prevent and reduce hearing loss.
1. Get a hearing check
To establish a baseline of your current auditory health, scheduling a hearing check with an audiologist who specializes in hearing conservation is a good idea, said Taddei.
During the evaluation, the audiologist will perform a variety of tests to determine the type and extent of hearing loss — and to measure your ability to hear various pitches, sounds and frequencies, according to Mayfield Clinic’s website.
2. Fight the urge to turn up the volume
Excessive volume from earbuds, headphones and other sound systems will eventually damage the ears, warned Taddei.
“Following the 60/60 rule is a practical guideline to safe listening levels,” he said. “Listen at no greater than 60% of the maximum volume for no more than 60 minutes per day.”
3. Use headphones or earbuds with good noise reduction
Headphones or earbuds help to minimize background sounds, allowing you to listen at lower levels without having to compete with environmental noise, said Taddei.
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“This can be in the form of passive noise reduction, where the earbud or headphone earpads physically block sound from entering your ear,” he explained.
“Some devices also offer active noise reduction, which can help with lower-frequency sounds.”
4. Give your ears a rest
If you are in a loud environment, limit how long you are there and/or move to a quieter space if possible, Taddei recommended.
“Taking listening breaks every hour or so can prevent fatigue by providing the ears with valuable time to recover,” he said.
“This can be as simple as taking a short walk, reading in silence or heading to the lobby during a crowded intermission to escape the chatter.”
5. Be more aware of sound exposures
A simple way to monitor your exposure is to install a sound level meter app on your phone. Taddei suggests using the NIOSH Sound Level Meter app.
“The Apple Watch is a great tool for this, as it automatically warns you when the environment is loud,” he said.
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“Apple also offers the Health app, which estimates headphone audio levels providing weekly breakdowns and average listening levels,” he added.
6. Invest in a pair of quality earplugs
Wearing earplugs when you’re exposed to loud sounds — such as at concerts or races; or from firearms or power tools — will help protect your hearing.
Even seemingly harmless daily activities, such as mowing the lawn and going to the movies, can fatigue the ears, Taddei warned.
“Quality earplugs are not expensive, though it can be difficult to differentiate good from bad,” he said.
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HearingTracker.com provides reviews of many of the most common earplugs.
Store your earplugs in a keychain carrying case that is connected to your car keys so you’ll always have easy access to them, Taddei said.
“While this may seem excessive, sound is unpredictable, and it is the only way to ensure your earplugs aren’t forgotten on the nightstand,” he said.
To read more pieces in Fox News Digital’s “Be Well” series, click here.
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Health
More people sent to hospital as mushroom-infused 'microdosing' chocolate faces ongoing FDA probe
“Microdosing” chocolate bars designed to give consumers “peace of mind” have sent more and more people to hospitals, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently reported.
The FDA published an initial advisory message about Diamond Shruumz, a company that produces “microdosing” chocolate bars and gummies, on June 7. At the time, six people who had consumed the products were hospitalized.
The FDA now reports that at least 10 people have been hospitalized after eating the products. An additional two people sought medical care but were not hospitalized.
“Do not eat, sell, or serve Diamond Shruumz-Brand Microdosing Chocolate Bars,” the FDA’s site warns.
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“[The] FDA is working to determine the cause of these illnesses and is considering the appropriate next steps,” the statement added. “More information will be provided as it becomes available.”
The products are distributed nationally. The FDA’s website said hospitalizations were reported in Alabama, Kentucky, Missouri, Nevada, South Carolina and Pennsylvania. Four hospitalizations were recorded in Arizona, and two were reported in Indiana.
The consumers who ate the “microdosing” products experienced “severe” symptoms, officials reported.
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“People who became ill after eating Diamond Shruumz-brand Microdosing Chocolate Bars reported a variety of severe symptoms including seizures, central nervous system depression (loss of consciousness, confusion, sleepiness), agitation, abnormal heart rates, hyper/hypotension, nausea, and vomiting,” the FDA says.
“Microdosing” is when drug users take a minuscule amount of hallucinogenic drugs to increase creativity and boost their mood without having a psychedelic trip. Even though the Diamond Shruumz products are marketed as “microdosing,” the company reports that its products have no psilocybin in them.
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“There is no presence of psilocybin, amanita or any scheduled drugs, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience,” Diamond Shruumz’s website says. “Rest assured, our treats are not only free from psychedelic substances but our carefully crafted ingredients still offer an experience.”
“This allows you to indulge in a uniquely crafted blend designed for your pleasure and peace of mind.”
The FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are investigating the products. Fox News Digital reached out to Diamond Shruumz for comment but did not hear back.
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.
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