Extracted from Audiology Online
"A new study conducted in Japan and published online in the journal Toxicology and Industrial Health, found a correlation between hearing loss at 12 kHZ and light smoking in young men. The abstract is provided here; for a copy of the article or a subscription to the journal, please visit tih.sagepub.com/
Title: Effects of light smoking on extra-high-frequency auditory thresholds in young adults
Authors: Nobutaka Ohgami, Takaaki Kondo, Masashi Kato
Abstract: There have been few reports showing a correlation between hearing levels and life style in young people. In this study, we succeeded in sensitively evaluating hearing levels in 51 young male adults of 21-23 years in age by 12 k Hz extra-high-frequency auditory thresholds, which cannot be measured by usual audiometry devices for clinical use. Noise exposure, alcohol consumption and sleeping time did not affect hearing levels in young adults. Auditory thresholds of 12 kHz frequency in smokers were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those in non-smokers, while there were no differences in 1 kHz, 4 kHz and 8 kHz frequencies of hearing levels between smokers and non-smokers. Since the Brinkman Index (BI; cigarettes/day multiplied by number of years) of smokers in this study was from 12 to 60, our results suggest that even light smoking of less than 20 cigarettes/day for 3 years can result in the development of hearing loss of 12 kHz frequency in young adults. Binary logistic regression analysis again showed a correlation between hearing loss (≥40 dB of auditory thresholds in 12 kHz frequency) and light smoking (12 ≤ BI ≤ 60). Thus, this study showed that auditory threshold at 12 kHz frequency could be a sensitive marker for hearing in young adults. More importantly, we for the first time provided epidemiological evidence that light smoking might affect hearing level at 12 kHz frequency and revealed a new risk of light smoking."
All scientific knowledge and proof (one example as above) show smoking to be harmful, causing not only hearing loss but also the deaths of at least a thousand people each day.
A blog reader, Mr.Ebi Lockhat for South African National Halaal Authority, (thank you very much sir!) has kindly shared below with me. I find it informative to be shared to all as well, since we are talking about smoking.
"Most of the world’s religions regard smoking to be a sin and forbid it. Smoking is undeniably strongly addictive and scientifically proven to be harmful to one’s own health as well as society. It enslaves ones body and can never be described or justified as beneficial.
In Christianity, the Bible commands its adherents not to allow their bodies to become "mastered" by anything. "Everything is permissible for me—but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me—but I will not be mastered by anything" (Corinthians 6:12).
In Judaism, some Rabbis have ruled that since the dangers of smoking are known it is forbidden to smoke. They point to several biblical concerns such as "take heed to thyself and take care of thy life” (Deuteronomy 4:9)
Of smoking by Hindus, Swami Amarananda of the Hindu Centre of Geneva, says, "tobacco is traditionally seen as a vyasana or an unhealthy dependence. So a vyasana matches ill with a spiritual life."
Smoking and drug taking is banned in Sikhism and using tobacco is listed in the Sikh Rehit Maryada (Code of Conduct) as one of the four transgression (Kurahits).
Islam as the Final Revelation to mankind has condemned smoking and Muslim Jurists have ruled it to be either Makruh (detested and undesirable) or Haraam (forbidden) on the basis of causing harm to one’s health (Qur'an 2:195 & 4:29), danger to your family's health and the environment (Qur'an 33:58), inconvenience, harm and discomfort to others (Hadith), waste of money (Qur'an 17:26-27) and possible ingestion of Haraam ingredients (Quran 7:157).
And uniquely, it has also provided a perfect lifetime training regimen with the institution of the annual thirty day Fasting in the month of Ramadaan where Muslims cannot partake of any food, drink or a quick puff from dawn to dusk, the most crucial time of craving for a smoker. Observations have shown that even the heaviest of smokers will never compromise their fasting for the nicotine fix. For a start, set Ramadhan, as your quit date and let your body, family and friends rediscover the healthy you, smoke –free and recharged by the blessings of the Mubarak month of Ramadan, InshaAllah (God willing).
Useful tips
1. Take a calm look at the facts on smoking, the costs and its harmful effects on your body. Consult this regularly to reaffirm your determination to quit.
(Click here for articles and cost calculator):
http://www.sanha.org.za/flashnews/flashn37.htm
http://www.sanha.org.za/flashnews/flashn38.htm
Cigarette calculator
2. If possible rope in family and friends who also want to quit so that you can support each other.
3. Do not hesitate to seek help from your Doctor or Imam who by training and inclination will support you.
4. Change your lifestyle with exercise, a new hobby and frequenting the Masjid daily.
5. Download or write for your free copy of the booklet “Kicking the Habit” by Moulana Yunus Patel Saheb."
Quit smoking now - The butt stops here.
This is a public service announcement ;)
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