Hearing is a key part of communication.  Read below for important tips from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association for protecting the hearing of yourself and your children!

Protecting Your Children's Hearing

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) is caused by exposure to loud sounds and usually occurs painlessly over a period of time. However, it may occur from one exposure to an extremely loud noise. Research suggests that NIHL is occurring at younger ages and with more frequency. Noise from personal headphones, jet skis, concerts, lawn equipment, power tools, firecrackers, household appliances, toys and musical instruments all have the potential to cause hearing loss. NIHL can be prevented. Teach your children to know when loud is too loud.

It's too loud if...

• You must raise your voice to be heard.
• You have difficulty understanding someone who's an arm's length away.
• You have pain, ringing or buzzing in your ears after exposure to loud sounds.
• Speech sounds muffled or dull after noise exposure.

Here are some simple prevention steps:

• Avoid and limit periods of exposure to noise.
• Buy quiet! Don't buy noisy appliances, equipment or toys.
• Don't put objects in the ears such as cotton swabs.
• Monitor hearing when ototoxic drugs are prescribed.
• Wear hearing protectors

http://www.asha.org/Buds/Protecting-Your-Children-s-Hearing/