Research has shown the Americans are losing their hearing almost 20 years younger than would be expected.
Noise exposure appears to be the culprit.
Exposure to harmful sounds causes damage to sensitive hair cells of the inner ear. While NIHL is not reversible, it is fully preventable . Many American Indians and Native Alaskans are exposed to damaging levels of noise both at work and outside of work. Increase awareness about NIHL among all audiences. Motivate audiences of all ages to recognize situations that put them at risk for NIHL, to take action against NIHL by understanding how noise can damage hearing permanently.