Hearing loss gradually occurs as the body ages, making it common among seniors, but it can affect people of all ages due to a birth defect or damage to the ear due to an injury. Almost one-third of America’s population between the ages of 65 and 75 years suffer from some level of hearing loss. Depending on the part of the ear that’s affected, hearing loss can be divided into three types:
- Conductive: Hearing loss involving the outer or the middle part of the ear
- Sensorineural: This type of hearing loss involves the inner part of the ear
- Mixed: This is a combination of the other two types of hearing loss
Stages
Various levels of hearing loss have been identified by audiologists:
- Mild hearing loss
People with mild hearing loss can hear sounds ranging between 25 and 40 decibels, so sounds like the ticking of a clock or a faucet dripping will be inaudible. Keeping up with a conversation that they have with one person might not be much of a challenge for people with mild hearing loss. - Moderate hearing loss
At this stage, people with hearing loss might not be able to hear sounds below 41 to 55 decibels. Moderate hearing loss patients can face difficulty keeping up with conversations, and the ringing of a phone or a doorbell might not be audible to people with hearing loss at this stage. - Severe hearing loss
People with severe hearing loss might not be able to hear any conversation without the help of a hearing aid. Also, hearing aids can be helpful to some extent in such cases, but they might not be foolproof. - Profound hearing loss
This is the most severe stage of hearing loss that makes it difficult for a person to hear sounds below 90 decibels. In fact, using a hearing aid might also not prove very effective at this stage.
Diagnosis
Several tests are undertaken to diagnose the issues one might be facing with their hearing abilities:
- Physical examination: A doctor will examine a person’s ear for any earwax deposits or swelling caused due to an infection.
- Screening tests: The general whisper test is conducted to diagnose hearing loss.
- App-based hearing tests: There are apps on mobiles or tablets that anyone can use to screen for a moderate level of hearing loss.
- Audiometric tests: These are the more thorough tests conducted by an audiologist wherein the patient is asked to wear headphones and then words and sounds are sent to each ear to diagnose the extent of hearing loss.
Prevention
Over-exposure to loud noise and aging are the leading causes of hearing loss, but earwax buildup can also affect one’s hearing abilities temporarily.
In most cases, hearing loss might not be treatable or reversible, but its effects can be minimized with help from an audiologist. There are several ways to prevent hearing loss caused due to aging and exposure to loud noise:
- Staying away from areas with loud noise
- Using hearing protection like earplugs
- Limiting exposure to loud sounds
- Using appliances or gadgets that have low noise levels
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A guide to RV rentals
Read moreRV rentals refer to renting a recreational vehicle like a camper for travel. This fully equipped vehicle makes long-distance travel comfortable. If you are planning a holiday that includes a long road trip, renting a camper is a good option. This article tells you all you need to know about booking an RV.
Understand the benefits
Before you even consider RV rentals, you need to understand the benefits of booking an RV. A recreational vehicle allows you to travel to any destination of your choice, in comfort. It does not confine you to a hotel, and you can stay in your camper and park it in any place of your choice.An RV is a good option when traveling long distances. RV rentals save on travel and hotel costs. You can even cook your own meals, thus saving on eating out. For an adventure trip that involves fishing or hiking, renting an RV is a great travel option.
Which RV to book?
The RV rentals you choose depends on the number of people traveling and your budget. The different types of campers are:- Class A: These are full-fledged motorhomes for luxury travel. The increased size makes driving a bit difficult, and it is the most expensive.
- Class B: It is a small camper and suitable for solo travel or for a couple.
- Class C: This RV is a van with a home attached. A bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen is also available.
- Fifth-wheel camper: This is a huge and spacious RV with a fifth wheel. They are ideal for a small group.
- Towable trailers: It is a truck with a trailer that can be towed. These trailers are spacious and suitable for a large group of travelers.
Costs involved
It goes without saying that the type of RV you book would decide the costs. Depending on the number of people traveling, and your budget, you can decide which RV to book. General costs of renting an RV are:- Class A – $175 to $275 per night
- Class B – $100 to $200 per night
- Class C – $150 to $200 per night
- Fifth wheel – $100 to $200 per night
- Towable trailer – $50 to $150 per night
Apart from the rental expenses, there are other costs. You would need to pay a deposit to the rental company to cover any damages. You also need to take insurance for your trip. Apart from basic facilities, you can book extras for the RV for which you need to pay more.
If you park the RV at a campground, there would be fees for using the campground. Dumping and cleaning fees are also payable at a campsite.
Plan your budget in advance
It is important to understand the different types of RVs, the average costs, and your travel and budget. If you want to enjoy an on-the-road experience, then RVs are your best bet. Decide the destination, and work out the total travel distance and time.Figure out all costs such as rental costs, campground costs, and all other expenses. The budget helps you decide which RV type to book.
Booking the RV
Getting an RV on a rental is easy. There are many options available. You would need to research different options while budgeting for your trip. There are different places to book an RV:- RV dealers: While dealers offer RVs on sales, some would also offer them on rent.
- Rental companies: These established companies rent out RVs to travelers. But they generally tend to be expensive.
- Peer-to-peer rentals: It is one of the best places to rent an RV. A peer-to-peer rental is where an RV owner rents out his vehicle to others. The process is facilitated by peer-to-peer rental websites like RVshare, Outdoorsy, Campanda, and ShareTraveler. These websites have search options to help you find the RV of your choice. All you need to do is compare prices across websites and book online.
Some tips to keep in mind
- When you travel during the holidays, there is a great demand for RVs and campgrounds, so you need to book in advance. This can be easily done online.
- The key is to customize your itinerary. Design it in the best possible way, giving you sufficient time for travel. It will help you complete your trip as per the plan. You must note that driving an RV is not as easy as driving a car. You can take a trial run at a dealer before actually booking one online.
- Pack all that you need for a comfortable trip including groceries, ready-to-eat food, water, medicine, and clothes.
An RV is a great travel option for long road trips with family and friends. It allows for comfort on the road that is not offered by a car. You can stay in the camper, cook your own meals, and enjoy a great trip.
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What qualities are required for a criminal justice degree
Read moreWhether you wish to be a criminal counselor or a detective, one of the criminal justice degrees will comprehensively refine both your intellectual and physical abilities. This is because professionals working in the field of criminal justice deal with unpredictable situations all the time. While applying for criminal justice degrees, you must develop and hone certain practical skills and traits, so that you could make the most out of your college education.
The following list mentions certain qualities that you must be mindful about, as these can prove to a great asset for your overall academic profile for a criminal justice program.
Communication: Every human interaction is unique, and with a criminal justice degree, you will be primarily working on this very reality. Your lessons will be mainly about gauging different types of emotions. Therefore, you must have excellent interactive skills, so that you make the most out of your experiences as a criminal justice student. Apart from this, you will also be taught to read different body languages and instructed about amplifying your intuitive qualities as well. Strong communication skills will offer you an upper hand when you are dealing with distinctive convicts as well as complex cases.
Integrity: Working as a criminal justice professional can be a twisted experience, as challenging situations can alter within a millisecond. And that is why you must ensure high standards of ethics. As a young individual to get enlighten more about ethics you can take up classes. If your high school doesn’t offer this subject, then you can find a community college or an online class to learn more.
Critical thinking skills: One thing that criminal justice students don’t do is take something at face value. You must have a curiosity to look, listen, observe and analyze so that you could form coherent arguments and develop an objective attitude. You can polish such logical skills by participating in debates, reading books, and even by having simple day-to-day conversations.
Physical fitness: Especially for majors like law enforcement, physical fitness is of utmost importance because you will constantly be on your toes. Although, all kinds of criminal justice professionals should develop a fitness regime not just to discipline the body but also the mind.
Awareness: As a criminal justice deals with the various nuances of our society, a major part of your college curriculum will revolve around national and global issues. And that is why you must be well-acquainted with recent happening. Refining your general awareness will not only keep you informed but will also aid you in strategizing better as a criminal justice professional.