Everything You Need to Know About Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Hearing loss in adults is frequently brought on by unprotected exposure to loud noise. The fragile structures of the inner ear are subject to wear and tear throughout our lives as a result of the accumulative effects of being in noisy surroundings, often known as noise pollution. This can lead to permanent hearing loss.

Even though adults are at the greatest risk of noise-induced hearing loss, children and teenagers are also putting themselves in danger because of the tremendous rise in the usage of headphones and earbuds.

What is Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?

Noise-induced hearing loss is when the microscopic hair cells in your ears, also known as stereocilia, are permanently damaged as a result of exposure to loud sounds. Vibrations in the hair cells caused by hazardous levels of noise are similar to those caused by earthquakes; they are so powerful that they are harmful and can sometimes even be permanent.

There is no way to replace hair cells, and they do not grow back. Hearing is impaired when hair cells are damaged because this prevents them from sending electrical impulses to the brain. Both powerful but brief noises, like a nearby gunshot and repetitive or continuous exposure to loud noises, like operating construction equipment, can harm the hair cells. A nearby gunshot is an example of an intense but brief noise.

Signs and Symptoms of Hearing Loss Caused by Noise

Hearing loss caused by noise often makes it more difficult to hear high-frequency sounds. This is something that can be easily identified with the use of a hearing test, which can then be tracked on an audiogram. It will display what is called a noise-notch pattern, which looks like a drop to the right.

It may be difficult for a person to hear speech on a day-to-day basis, particularly those containing the consonants s, f, sh and th. Even when they speak more loudly, you still have problems understanding what other people are saying.

Other indications that you should get your hearing checked by an audiologist include:

• Following prolonged exposure to loud noise, you experience pain in both of your ears.
• Others around you have remarked that you speak quite loudly or even shout at times.
• You experience tinnitus, which manifests itself as ringing, whooshing, roaring or buzzing sounds in the affected ears.

How to Avoid Hearing Loss Caused by Noise

Because hearing loss caused by noise is typically irreversible, it is essential to take the

necessary precautions to protect one’s ears. Those who anticipate being in settings with excessively high noise have access to a variety of options, including the following:

• Wearing earplugs or earmuffs.
• Replacing machines that have loud parts and ensuring they are well lubricated and purchasing earmuff and earplugs when available.
• Turn your music down.
• Being mindful of your environment.

Hearing loss that is brought on by loud noises is usually irreversible. Hearing aids that are customized to the patient’s needs are typically the most effective treatment for noise-induced hearing loss. Hearing aids made now are more effective than those made several decades ago, and there is a wide variety of options available to suit the requirements of any lifestyle or financial situation.