Q. I'm a Baby Boomer who still loves rock concerts, but sometimes I worry if the noise is hurting my old ears.

Sound volume is measured in decibels. You risk hearing loss when you are exposed to sounds at 85 dBs or more. The louder the sound and the longer the exposure, the greater the risk.Here's the bad news: rock music is on many lists as an example of a dangerous sound. Here's one of those lists:30 dB = library50 dB = rain60 dB = conversation (apolitical)70 dB = vacuum cleaner80 dB = busy street90 dB = shop tools100 dB = chain saw110 dB = rock music among audience120 dB = rock music on bandstand130 dB = jackhammer140 dB = air raid siren150 dB = rock music crescendoMost people's hearing diminishes with age. About one in three Americans over 60 suffers from some loss of hearing, which can range from the inability to hear certain voices to deafness.Those who are healthy and not exposed to loud noise can maintain their hearing for many years.Q. I'm allergic to mold. Any tips to avoid it?There are many types of molds, which are fungi that thrive where it is damp and warm. They reproduce by spreading spores, asexual reproductive bodies. Spores are invisible to our eyes.They float through outdoor and indoor air. If you are allergic to molds, your immune system overreacts when you inhale spores. Mold allergy symptoms can include sinusitis, sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, cough, postnasal drip, itchy and watery eyesHere are some ways to keep mold spores away:• When doing yard work, wear a dust mask over your nose and mouth. Mold is abundant where leaves or other vegetation are decomposing.• When the mold count is high, do not drive with your car windows open.• When the nights are wet, sleep with your windows closed. This is when the concentration of spores is the highest.• Reduce your outdoor time when the weather is wet.• Put a dehumidifier anywhere in your home that is musty.• Air-conditioning in your home is a must if you have allergies. Clean the AC filters often.• Ventilate bathrooms especially after bathing or showering.• Clean bathroom and basement wall surfaces regularly with a bleach solution.• Remove leaves and vegetation from around the foundation of your home. Clean gutters often.If you would like to ask a question, write to the

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