Noise-induced hearing loss is extremely common. If you are always around noise that exceeds 85 decibels, your hearing might be permanently damaged.
Exactly How Does Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Work?
This is a kind of sensorineural hearing loss where hair cells in your inner ear are permanently destroyed by noise.
A progressive deterioration of hearing, eventually bringing about permanent hearing loss, develops when you are subjected to very loud noise for a long period of time. It can also be caused by a single event of a loud burst of sound that can instantly cause hearing loss.
Over 17 percent of individuals between 20 to 69 have hearing loss that is a result of their recreational or work activities. Here are a few examples of noises that can lead to hearing loss:
- Loud volume on earphones
- Emergency Vehicles
- Jet engines
- Construction equipment
- Busy Traffic
- Nearby fireworks
Can it be Reversed?
Even though scientists are making advancements, presently, there is no cure for noise related hearing loss. If you have been exposed to a loud noise, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible, because some of the lasting damage is caused by swelling in the ear. You may be able to limit the damage that develops by decreasing swelling. Waves of sound are transmitted to the brain by the little hair cells in the ear. They never regenerate once they are ruined. Meaning that your ability to hear will be permanently impacted. This is the reason 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 see a specialist as soon as possible.
Research to Tackle The Issue
There is currently no cure for this condition. But repairing noise-related hearing loss is top priority for researchers. There are clinical trials, for example, that are attempting to restore these hairs with an experimental drug. If scientists were capable of getting this drug to work, these hairs would be able to regenerate and we may be able to address noise and age related hearing loss.
Protect Your Remaining Hearing
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. Some things you can do include:
- Minimize your exposure to very noisy activities at home
- Whatever your hearing loss may be, hearing aids could be the solution
- If there are places that always have loud noise – avoid them
- Use the appropriate hearing protection devices, such as earmuffs or earplugs if you work in locations with persistently loud noises
- Get regular hearing tests
Keeping the volume down on your devices, using ear protection, and avoiding overly loud noise is the best way to protect your hearing. Make an appointment for a hearing test if you have been exposed to loud noise.