Damage to hearing depends not only on the level of noise but also the amount of time to which a person is exposed to loud noise.
By JUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICHpsychedelic ear 88(photo credit: )
One in 10 Israelis is hard of hearing or deaf and, while about one baby per 1,000 is born deaf, one in three people over the age of 65 has inadequate hearing.
National Hearing Day, aimed at increasing awareness of the problem, will be marked on Tuesday in various places around the country, including the Knesset, where parliamentarians have been known to shout on occasion.
The Health Ministry said Sunday that damage to hearing depends not only on the level of noise but also the amount of time to which a person is exposed to loud noise.
The average volume of noise in dance clubs or at musical events is 110 decibels, with peaks of 115, while an hour of noise at 94 decibels and two minutes of noise at 110 decibels are the maximum limits according to work safety laws. Hearing loss, which can happen to anyone, causes a severe reduction in the quality of life, but it can be prevented, the ministry said.
MKs and visitors to the Knesset will be invited to undergo hearing tests on Tuesday from 10 a.m. In addition, a special session on the subject will be held by the Labor, Social Affairs and Health Committee. Free hearing tests will also be offered at major hospitals around the country and in 33 other locations. Ear protectors and informational material will be handed out from stands in public places, and special activities will be held in schools, public institutions and industrial plants.
Clalit Health Services will invite callers to ask questions by dialing *2700, and medical professionals can obtain more information by calling (03) 525-7001. The Hadassah Academic College will have its own open line from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at (02) 677-7356.
A media campaign will also be held Tuesday on radio, in the newspapers and on popular youth Web sites on the Internet. An exhibition of hearing devices is on display at the Becol Center in Tel Aviv (info@becol.org).
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