Linda Pelkowitz and Sharon Safstrom were the guest speakers at our meeting this morning (10 February 2015).  They work for an organisation called Ear Science Institute of Australia.  A specific program they are involved in is called Cheers for Ears in your Local Community.  It is an education program designed specifically for upper primary aged children to highlight to them the damage they can cause to their hearing if they have the volume of their personal listening devices set too loudly for too long; or over use ear bud style headphones. 
 
Noise induced hearing loss is totally avoidable, and is permanent.  It usually affects high frequency range (which is where most speech is heard).  The effect on people of hearing loss can range from being sad, depressed, anxious, fatigue, tense, angry and embarrassed.
 
The hearing loss prevention program for primary school children has been in place for about 5 years now.  Hearing loss is caused when the tiny hear cells on the cochlear are pushed over due to the loudness of the sound vibrations being sent through into the brain.  In the past about 5% of school aged children suffered from noise related hearing loss, but current statistics suggest that it is now as high as 25% of children who have this affliction.  Research shows that if you have your personal music listening device on, with earbud earphones on that there is some damage done after just listening to one song.  By turning the volume down to 75% it takes 35 minutes for the same level of damage to be done.  If at 50% volume the person can listen for about 8 hours before the damage becomes apparent.
 
At the conclusion of the talk we had some very lively discussions with the speakers about how best to handle those with a hearing loss.  According to Sharon they have discovered that there are strong links between hearing loss and dementia.  Her final word regarding this was to get your hearing checked, and get those hearing aids organised quickly.
 
Young people growing up now do not realise the extent of the negative impact hearing loss could have on them now and into their future.
 
A really informative talk.  Thank you Linda and Sharon.
 
TThey are shown here with Roma Gehringer who was the Host Chair for this morning.
 
If you want more information about what we heard this morning go to the following websites:
 
www.earscience.org.au
cheersforears.org.au