Are you familiar with the phrase ‘The Baby Boomer Generation’- BBG? These are Americans born from 1945 to 1964. Studies prove this generation is likely to be affected by hearing problems more than those born beforehand. At fifty one years of age, the former President of the US, Bill Clinton, one of BBG had to use a hearing aid. As many ‘baby boomers’ reach their forties and fifties they notice changes in their hearing. This takes the form of needing raised volume on televisions, asking others to repeat words and difficulty in hearing over the phone. Numbers suggest about thirty eight million members of the baby boom generation have damaged hearing. It is commonly accepted that as we get older hearing can become weaker. But this figure is far too high. The question is why is it is so?

It cannot be overlooked that the modern world we live in is indeed a lot more noisy than before. This has been affected by the advent of heavy machinery, planes, cars and many more new inventions. Because of these inventions the workplace changes rapidly in a short time. For example, factory employees get used to the constant noise levels and their health suffers. Another consideration is lifestyle. Younger generations have enjoyed loud music and motorbikes. Our great grandparents did not listen to bands like White Snake at ear splitting levels or the revving up of a Harley Davidson. The baby boom generation was the first to have to deal with new and extreme levels of guitars and deafening drum sets. They loved it but look at the result.

Is this an exaggeration or is the problem widespread? Unfortunately, it is a lot more serious than many think. A very small loss of hearing causes big problems. It makes us slow to react. Before pain is felt at high volume levels – the damage is done. Many of the baby boomers do not get medical help. Even less consult an audiologist for proper testing. You may have haring loss and not be aware of it until it is too late. It is a condition that takes place slowly over a period of time. It is so subtle it is not noticed but the damage is permanent.

The only way to deal with any problem is to deal with it. But it has been noted with the help of surveys that the baby boomer generation simply ignore the signs. If there is damage it probably cannot be undone. But it is sensible to make sure that the problem does worsen. It is necessary to prevent any more damage. You will be told to stay out of noisy environments. A par of suitable ear plugs will help if you have to be such a setting. Even armed with some knowledge on how to take care of your hearing you must go to an audiologist and have the proper testing carried out.