It’s very common for people to have loss of hearing brought on by repeated subjection to loud noise. Your hearing can be permanently impaired if you spend a lot of time around noise that exceeds 85 dB.
What is Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?
This is a form of sensorineural hearing loss where hair cells in your inner ear are permanently damaged by noise.
A gradual degeneration of hearing, eventually leading to permanent hearing loss, develops when you are subjected to very loud noise for a long period of time. Instant damage can also happen if you are subjected to a burst of extremely damaging noise all of a sudden.
More than 17 percent of people between the ages of 20 and 69 have hearing loss that is a result of their work or recreational activities. Some examples of noises that can cause hearing loss might include:
- Busy Traffic
- Loud headphoness
- Jackhammers
- Jet engines
- Nearby fireworks
- Motorcycles
- Chainsaws
- Sirens
Can it be Reversed?
There is currently no cure for noise-related hearing loss (although scientists are hard at work on it). Some of the damage in your ear could be the result of swelling so you need to consult a doctor if you have been exposed to sudden loud noise. You might be able to limit the damage that occurs by reducing swelling. The hair cells in your inner ear are in control of transmitting waves of sound to your brain. If noise damages or destroys them, they are unable to regenerate. This means that your hearing ability will be permanently impacted. This is why it is important that you take the required steps to protect your hearing, and if you are exposed to a loud noise, that you consult a specialist right away.
Approaching The Problem With Research
This condition is currently not curable. But repairing noise-induced hearing loss is top priority for researchers. For example, some research is in clinical trials presently that are testing whether a drug can restore the growth of these tiny hairs in the ear. Age-related hearing loss and loud noise can damage these hairs, but regrowth would help restore hearing if scientists are capable of getting the drug to work.
Protect Your Remaining Hearing
Noise related hearing loss can’t be cured but if you take specific steps to protect your ears, the hearing you have left can be preserved into the future. You can:
- Use the appropriate hearing protection devices, such as earplugs or earmuffs if you work in locations with consistently loud noises
- Reduce your exposure to extremely noisy activities at home
- Whatever your hearing loss may be, hearing aids could be the answer
- If there are places that regularly have loud noise – avoid them
- Take regular hearing exams
Keeping the volume down on your devices, using ear protection, and avoiding overly loud noise is the best way to safeguard your hearing. Schedule a hearing exam if you have been exposed to loud noise.