Why Teachers are Vulnerable to Hearing Problems
According to a study by EPIC Hearing Healthcare, teachers are among the most susceptible to hearing loss, with 15% diagnosed with varying degrees of hearing problems compared to 11% of other workers. This might seem unusual, but a close look at their working environment can explain it.
Why Teachers?
For starters, teachers tend to work in noisy places, and the sounds emanating from the hallways –and the classroom- can strain the ears since it happens every day. To give you an idea of how difficult this is, imagine the headaches that you get trying to handle your children. Now instead of just one or two kids, imagine 25 or more in one room, from morning to afternoon every day.
Given this scenario, it should not be surprising that they are vulnerable to ear damage. According to a study, teachers between 18 and 44 years of age are 26% more likely to get a hearing prescription. The 26% rate is much higher than the US average of 17%, and the 9% difference is significant, and shows work environment is a contributing factor.
The Prevailing Situation
The need for teachers with hearing aids become more pronounced if you take a good look at the numbers. Of teachers that have hearing problems but not treated, 50% admit they usually ask people to repeat what they said, and more than a third say they misunderstand what was said to them. Not surprisingly, a fourth of them report the situation is stressful and they tire from the strain caused by trying to hear what’s being said.
What to Do
Back in 2007, the National Center for Biotechnology Information in the Department of Health and Human Services released a survey where 95% of the teachers that participated said there is too much noise in the classroom. However, this should be surprising given that most classrooms go beyond 85 decibels, which is the maximum safe level.
If you have a hearing problem, it’s time you speak to a hearing specialist and if necessary, use hearing aids as they can definitely help. If you’re a teacher, pay close attention, and if you experience any difficulty hearing, go to a hearing professional immediately to get a hearing aid prescription. For more details of our hearing test & assessment, and hearing aid services, please contact HK Hearing & Speech Centre.
Source:
HK Hearing & Speech Centre
Specialist of Hearing test & assessment,
and Hearing Aid Prescription
https://www.hkhearingspeech.com