Thomas Daschle: “today I bring to the attention of my colleagues an article that recently appeared in The Washington Post, ``Hearing Loss…”

“today I bring to the attention of my colleagues an article that recently appeared in The Washington Post, ``Hearing Loss Touches a Younger Generation.'' This article raises important issues related to hearing loss and gives us practical advice for protecting our hearing. Hearing loss affects approximately 28 million Americans and is affecting more of us at younger ages. Hearing difficulties among those ages 45 to 64 increased 26 percent between 1971 and 1990, while those between ages 18 and 44 experienced a 17 percent increase. About one third of the cases of hearing loss are caused, at least in part, by extreme or consistent exposure to high decibel noises. While the Environmental Protection Agency has worked to decrease our exposure to loud noises at work, many Americans now face threats to optimal hearing during their leisure hours from loud music, lawn mowers and outdoor equipment, automobiles, airplanes and other sources. Too many Americans simply are not aware of the devastating impact loud sounds can have on their hearing.”