Part of Nova Scotia Hearing and Speech Centres mandate is prevention.

One of our key focuses is educating the public about the dangers of noise.

Noise is a silent enemy. It is so much a part of our lives, we often do not recognize its presence.

Think a little more about noise. It can harm you. If you are exposed to a loud noise on a continuing basis, your hearing is in danger. Protect yourself from loud noise by wearing earplugs or other protective equipment. If you have trouble hearing what others say or your ears are ringing, have your hearing checked by an Audiologist.

If you find yourself in a noisy environment, please give some thought as to what damage the noise can be doing to your hearing. If you have to shout over a noise, it is too loud. If your ears ring or buzz after listening to a noise, it is too loud. Consider the source of the noise. If the noise is caused by something out of your control, such as noise related to industry, make sure that proper hearing protection is provided and limit the time exposed to the noise.

If you suffer from or suspect that you might suffer from noise induced hearing loss or other complications such as Tinnitus, there is help. Please contact an Audiologist at a Centre near you.

Prevention is the key to insure that you are hearing for a lifetime.

Some of the Noise Awareness Activities that occurred during December 2001 included:
• Radio spot ad on C100 during the entire month of December featuring the band members of CRUSH
• Toy Screening Clinic held at out Halifax Community Centre on December 18, 2001. The public was invited to bring in toys to be tested for sound levels and provided with information on safe practices for toys.

For more information on Industrial noise please go to Industrial Community Audiology.