It’s very common for people to have hearing loss caused by continued subjection to loud noise. Your hearing can be permanently damaged if you spend a lot of time exposed to noise that is over 85 dB.
Exactly How Does Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Work?
This is a type of sensorineural hearing loss where hair cells inside of your inner ear are irreversibly damaged by noise.
Noise-related hearing loss can be brought on by long-term subjection to very high levels of noise, which leads to a gradual degeneration of your hearing. It can also be caused by a single event of a loud burst of noise that can instantly result in hearing loss.
Over 17 percent of individuals between 20 to 69 have hearing loss that is caused by their work or recreational activities. Here are a few examples of noises that can result in hearing loss:
- Sirens
- Motorcycles
- Jackhammers
- Loud headphoness
- Jet engines
- Busy Traffic
- Chainsaws
- Nearby fireworks
Is it Reversible?
There is currently no remedy for noise-related hearing loss (though scientists are hard at work on it). If you have been subjected to a loud noise, you should see a doctor as soon as possible, because some of the prolonged damage is due to inflammation in the ear. If you could reduce the inflammation you may be able to reduce some long term damage. The hair cells in your inner ear are in control of transmitting waves of sound to your brain. If noise harms or destroys them, they are unable to regenerate. So once they’re gone, irreversible hearing impairment is the consequence. Protecting your ears, then, should be top priority, and seeing a specialist if you’re presently having hearing issues.
Research to Address The Issue
This condition is currently not curable. However, scientists are looking for ways to repair noise-related hearing loss. There are clinical trials, for instance, that are trying to regrow these hairs with a trial drug. Age-related hearing loss and loud noise can harm these hairs, but restoration would help restore hearing if researchers are able to get the drug to work.
What Hearing Remains Needs to be Safeguarded
Noise related hearing loss can’t be healed but if you take specific steps to safeguard your ears, the hearing you have left can be preserved into the future. You can:
- Use the appropriate hearing protection devices, like earmuffs or earplugs if you work in locations with persistently loud noises
- Reduce your exposure to exceedingly noisy activities at home
- Manage any hearing loss you have with hearing aids
- Get tested routinely
- Stay away from places that regularly have loud noises
Actually, it’s best to eliminate exposure to loud noise by wearing hearing protection and lowering the volume on all your devices. But if you are exposed, make an appointment for a hearing test.