Hearing Loss Affecting My G-g-generation

The much-touted Woodstock 50 festival may never have seen the light, but many who attended the original music festival in upstate New York in 1969 carry a lasting legacy of the event: hearing loss. According to audiologists, even for those who didn’t get to experience Credence Clearwater, Canned Heat and Richie Havens in their prime are still facing hearing loss in Pottstown.

Three Days of Music, A Lifetime of Hearing Impairment

Adults between the ages of 65 and 80 have been dubbed the “Woodstock Generation” even if they were nowhere near the mud of Max Yasgur’s farm during the summer of ’69. A Harris Poll survey of 1,000 older adults highlights the prevalence of hearing loss in this age group and the effects of enjoying music concerts and festivals (even if it wasn’t the festival):

• 47 percent of adults in this age group who listened to loud or very loud music have hearing loss.
• 52 percent have trouble following conversations in noisy environments such as busy restaurants.
• 41 percent report that hearing loss negatively impacts their ability to take part in social activities or gatherings.
• 40 percent frequently need others to repeat what they have said in conversations.
• 40 percent have missed words during conversations.
• 38 percent claim hearing loss has had a negative impact on relationships with family and friends.

Seven out of 10 respondents wish they were able to hear music the same way they did when they were younger.

Additional hearing loss factors for adults

Despite the name, attendance at the actual Woodstock music festival isn’t a prerequisite to being a member of the Woodstock generation. Neither is listening to music. Other factors led to hearing loss in adults of this generation including noisy jobs (manufacturing, construction) and war-related injuries.

Hearing naturally declines with age anyway. The cumulative effects of a lifetime of noise exposure eventually take their toll. One out of three people in Pottstown will develop hearing loss by the age of 65. At 75, that figure is closer to one in tow.

Whether you were there or not (or simply claim to be!), if you fall within the 65-80 age range, there’s a high chance you are suffering the effects of hearing loss. If you aren’t treating your impairment, consider making an appointment with a Pottstown hearing professional. Doing so will improve your quality of life and lower your risk of many associated complications from untreated hearing loss.

Related Ear, Nose and Throat Posts:

• When Should You See an ENT?
• Hearing Loss: Could Your Child Be Suffering?
• Blame it on the Genes: Can Hearing Loss Be Inherited?

North Philadelphia ENT Office Locations

Lansdale
2100 N Broad St
Lansdale, PA 19446
(215) 368-5290
Sellersville
920 Lawn Ave, Suite 7
Sellersville, PA 18960
(215) 453-8900
Spring House
909 Sumneytown Pike, #103
Spring House, PA 19477
(215) 646-2118