1. An Overview of High Frequency Sound
If the mosquitoes seem to be getting trickier you may want to have your hearing checked. The mosquito is still buzzing away as loudly as ever, but your ears may no longer pick up its high pitch. Humans have the ability to hear sounds across a broad range of frequencies, from the low rumble of a foghorn to the perpetual peep of a baby chick. But, with age or through damage, we sometimes lose our ability to hear high-pitched sounds. It becomes more difficult to hear the voices of children and women, the chirps of small birds and, of course, the attacking mosquito.
2. It Comes With Experience
The most common cause of high frequency hearing loss is experience. Or, as some refer to it, age. It can't be helped. As we age, we simply become less able to hear high frequency sounds. The screeching of the vacuum cleaner may send your kids, and your dog, running for shelter, but you no longer seem to mind. The loss begins around age twenty and increases with each year.
3. Noise Induced High Frequency Hearing Loss
The second most common cause of high frequency hearing loss is noise--loud noise. Unlike the aging process, this type of hearing loss is totally preventable. It's really quite easy. Turn down the radio and television to the point the house no longer trembles. Wear protective hearing gear when working in a loud place. Use earplugs when you fire a shotgun, use a chainsaw or a leaf blower. And, when you go to the rock concert avoid standing next to the 12-foot-high speakers.
4. Learn Your Limits
Protecting yourself from high frequency hearing loss is all about knowing your limits. The human ear is designed for the long haul--as long as you take care of it. Sounds are measured by what's known as decibels (dB), with sounds above 85dB being harmful. Sounds that are not harmful to us include leaves rustling (30dB), normal conversation (60dB), and inside car noise at 60 mph (70dB). Some typical sounds that may be harmful to us include the subway (95dB), a motorcycle (100dB), a snowmobile (115dB), a rock concert (129dB) and stock car races (130dB). Since you don't carry a decibel meter around with you, learn to avoid noises that cause your ears to ring, make them hurt or make it hard to hear others talk above the sound.
5. Cell Phones and Hearing Loss
It's the age of instant communication and, mostly, that's a good thing. But, some studies have shown that too much of a good thing can be bad for your hearing. So, be careful. If you spend more than one hour per day on the cell phone you're more likely to experience high frequency hearing loss. Telltale signs include a warm ear, or a feeling of fullness in the ear. The studies showed cell phones can cause high frequency hearing loss in people as young as 18.
