Noise-induced hearing loss is extremely common. Your hearing can be irreversibly damaged if you spend a lot of time around noise that exceeds 85 dB.
What is Noise-Related Hearing Loss?
This is a type of sensorineural hearing loss where hair cells in your inner ear are permanently destroyed by noise.
Noise-induced hearing loss can be caused by long-term subjection to very high levels of noise, which causes a gradual deterioration of your hearing. Instant damage can also happen if you are subjected to a burst of exceptionally damaging noise all at once.
More than 17 percent of individuals 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 may include:
- Loud headphoness
- Construction equipment
- Chainsaws
- Busy Traffic
- Jet engines
- Emergency Vehicles
- Nearby fireworks
- Motorcycles
Is it Reversible?
Although scientists are making advancements, presently, there is no cure for noise related hearing loss. Some of the damage inside your ear might be due to swelling so you need to talk to a doctor if you’ve been subjected to sudden loud noise. If you could reduce the swelling you may be capable of reducing some lasting damage. Sound waves are transmitted to the brain by the little hair cells inside of the ear. If noise harms or destroys them, they are unable to regenerate. This means that your hearing ability will be permanently impacted. Protecting your ears, then, should be top priority, and consulting a specialist if you’re presently having hearing issues.
Addressing The Problem With Research
There is presently no solution for this condition. However, researchers are searching for ways to repair noise-induced hearing loss. There are clinical trials, for instance, that are trying to restore these hairs with a trial drug. Age-related hearing loss and loud noise can harm these hairs, but regrowth would help restore hearing if researchers are able to get the drug to work.
What Hearing Remains Needs to be Safeguarded
While hearing loss that is a result of noise cannot be restored (yet), you are able to take certain measures to avoid hearing loss or save the remaining hearing that you have. Some steps you can take include:
- Whatever your hearing loss might be, hearing aids could be the solution
- Take regular hearing exams
- Minimize your exposure to extremely noisy activities at home
- If you work in an occupation that has consistently loud noise, use the appropriate hearing protection
- Stay away from places that continuously have loud noises
Actually, it’s best to eliminate exposure to loud noise by using hearing protection and keeping the volume down on all your devices. But if you are exposed, schedule a hearing test.