"Earplugs to be distributed at children's parade"
GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, Collective Preventive Services (CPS) is appealing to parents/guardians and children's parade group participants to protect their children's ears from overexposure to loud noises coming from the Carnival parades and other events on a regular basis.
Earplugs will be distributed to the children who are participating in the children's parade on April 30, and parents/guardians are encouraged to acquire earplugs by following the aforementioned example.
Earplugs should be used, as this will ensure that the child's hearing will be well protected. Encourage children to adopt healthy habits that will help children protect their hearing for life.
Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labour Hon. Cornelius de Weever as part of his 'Get Checked' campaign is calling on parents/guardians to take action because hearing loss is preventable.
The ear is an advanced and very sensitive organ of the human body. The more you listen to loud sounds, the more likely you are to damage your hearing. A continuous noise level of 85 decibels will result in hearing damage.
An ear plug is a device that is meant to be inserted in the ear canal to protect the user's ears from loud noises or the intrusion of water, foreign bodies, dust, or excessive wind.
Your distance from the source of the sound and the length of time you are exposed to the sound are also important factors in protecting your hearing. A good rule of thumb is to avoid noises that are too loud, too close, or last too long or protect your ears by using earplugs.
The following instructions should be followed with respect to the ear plug:
- With clean hands, roll ear plug between thumb and fingers until plug diameter is as small as possible.
- Reach over your head with the opposite hand pull top of ear canal. Push rolled end of plug into ear, leaving enough of ear plug outside the ear canal to allow removal.
- Hold finger on the end of ear plug until the plug expands to seal the ear (about 10 seconds).
- Here is the ear plug correctly inserted in the ear canal. For best fit, at least 1/2 to 3/4 of the ear plug should be inside your ear canal.
Checking the Fit:
- Always fit ear plugs so that they seal the ear closed.
- When plugs are correctly inserted, your own voice should sound hollow and sounds around you should not sound as loud as before.
- Gently pull on the ear plug: it should not move easily. If the plug moves easily, remove it and carefully re-insert it deeper into the ear canal.
- Re-check the fit often during the time that you wear them. If earplugs become loose, you may lose your protection from the noise.
The Minister Hon. Cornelius de Weever and the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour wishes the community a safe and happy Carnival celebration.
