The amount of attenuation possible from a particular type of hearing protection device. Typically, ear protectors have ratings from abut 25 to 32 dB or so.

Permanent hearing loss caused by exposing your ears to loud noise. It may occur from a single sharp loud sound (e.g. gunshot) or from continued exposure to louder noise over time (days, months, years). Often your audiogram will initially show a “Noise Notch” around 4,000 Hz.

Physically, the production of random, erratic sound waves. Psychologically, any unwanted sound.

see Noise-Induced Hearing Loss.

A program in place in many hospitals that allows a child’s hearing to be evaluated immediately after the baby is born.

An otologist who specializes in the nervous system related to the auditory (hearing)  and vestibular (balance) systems.