Our World Hearing Day Event: Money raised for RNID
On the 3rd of March 2025 we presented 3 talks to the public in Newbury Town Hall in aid of World Hearing Day. The theme was Changing mindsets: empowering yourself to make ear and hearing care a reality for all.
We met in the Council Chamber on a sunny (almost!) spring morning at 10am to a small crowd of people…
Talk 1: Tracy James gives a talk on Hearing loss Prevention
The main learning point of the day was that young people – teenagers and young adults up to the age of 30 are putting themselves at risk of hearing loss, due to the use of headphones and headsets for music and gaming. Initial research in the US suggests that this age group is 30% more likely to develop noise-induced hearing loss than a decade ago.
We discussed that ‘85’ dB is the magic number. All devices must be set below this number, to prevent hearing loss. Where possible, set your noise levels for your phones and headsets (you will have to activate it yourself!). Safe levels are more easily achieved with ‘over the ear’ headsets than in-the-ear – since the size of your ear canal can actually amplify the sound even further than the device is set . Gamers and those using headsets frequently should take regular breaks, and listen in a quiet surrounding environment. Noise cancelling headsets help with this.
We also discussed that just because a sound level is unsafe, it is not necessarily unpleasant. For example, did you know that the sound of a lawn mower can be quieter in decibels than music listening? This is why musicians and those in the music industry are now required by law to use hearing protection.
We also discussed that a rule of thumb in the environment is that if you’re unable to hold a conversation easily within 1 meter, then it’s likely that the noise levels are damaging to your hearing. Either move from the environment, use noise protection or turn down your headset!
Noise-induced hearing loss develops gradually – so it can be difficult to know that your hearing has been damaged. This is why we advocate regular hearing checks. It is often significant others who notice it first, or you may notice that you can’t hear when your back is turned or in background noise. Tinnitus is often a sign of hearing loss and/or noise damage and 90% of those with tinnitus also have a hearing loss.
Tracy James Discusses Hearing Loss Prevention.
Louise Hart also gave 2 further talks on Tinnitus and Hearing Loss and Dementia.
(See below for a short snippet of each of these talks from Louise.)
Louise Hart Talks Tinnitus
Louise Hart Talks Hearing Loss and Dementia,
With thanks to the following organisations
The World Health Organisation for their World Hearing Day posters and flyers.
The RNID for their T shirts, collection tins and balloons.
It was great for us at Tracy James Hearing to have the opportunity to raise community awareness on hearing loss as well as raise £75 for the RNID! We will continue to raise money for the RNID with a donation box on reception at our clinic at Wharf Street, Newbury.
Watch this space for next years event!
Tracy and the Team at Tracy James Hearing
