May is Speech and Hearing Awareness Month

May is Speech and Hearing Awareness month, we will focus on hearing awareness and hearing loss in the workplace with blog posts, social media posts and resources. Please share our information with your safety representatives and JOSH committee members.

From the Canadian Hearing Society some great information.

Toronto, ON (May 4, 2015) – The Canadian Hearing Society (CHS) will be promoting public awareness about hearing health and barriers to communication during Speech and Hearing Awareness Month in May.

Did you know?

• In Canada, 1 in 4 adult Canadians has some form of hearing loss

• 1 in 5 Canadian youth has signs of hearing loss

• Aging is the number one cause of hearing loss, with severity increasing over time

Young workers be aware, as you age you will lose more hearing. Protect yourself now !

• 1 in 5 teens suffers from some degree of hearing loss. The damage is often noise-related and could of been prevented.

• Listening to just a single song at full volume with headphones or earbuds could damage your hearing forever

Protect your ears against noise induced hearing loss by remembering “DRUM“

• Dial back your volume to 60% or less

• Reduce your exposure to loud sounds

• Use hearing protection whenever possible

• Make an appointment with an audiologist to get your hearing tested

Here is a great poster to place in your lunch room with hearing loss prevention tips