Jul 24 - Noise Induced Hearing Loss Awareness Campaign
The Ministry for Equality, together with the Ministry for Health, the Ministry for Culture and The Gibraltar Hearing Impaired and Tinnitus Association (GHITA) have been working together towards an awareness campaign highlighting the damage that can be caused from exposure to loud noises, known as Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL).
NIHL is the only type of hearing loss that can be prevented. NIHL can be caused by a one–time exposure to an intense impulse sound such as an explosion, and can also be caused by continuous exposure to high level sounds such as music played on MP3 players or being in an environment where you are exposed to loud noises. It can have an immediate effect or can be something that will take a long time before becoming noticeable.
With new technology and increased use of headphones it is important for us to work together in this campaign aimed at guiding the general public on how to safely listen to music and protect ourselves when exposed to sounds with high decibels, and it is intended that this event will highlight the incidence of NIHL.
At Casemates this morning, the Agencies shall have an information desk handing out informative leaflets and ear plugs with information on how to prevent hearing loss through noise damage. This campaign will continue with the distribution of leaflets and posters to schools, medical clinics and St Bernard’s Hospital.
Minister Sacramento said: “I am pleased that once again my department in collaboration with other Government departments and GHITA have worked together on this initiative. Prevention awareness on Noise Induced Hearing Loss is important. The message to be taken from this campaign is that prevention is key to your hearing health, act now.”
