It’s very common for people to have loss of hearing brought on by repeated subjection to loud noise. If you are always exposed to noise that that is over 85 decibels, your hearing might be permanently impaired.
Exactly How Does Noise-Related Hearing Loss Work?
There are little hair cells in your inner ear which can be permanently harmed by loud noise. This is called sensorineural hearing loss.
Noise-related hearing loss can be caused by long-term exposure to extremely high levels of noise, which causes a gradual decline of your hearing. Instant damage can also occur if you are exposed to a burst of extremely damaging noise all of a sudden.
Recreational and work activities are responsible for 17% of hearing loss in people between the ages of 20 and 69. Here are some examples of noises that can result in hearing loss:
- Loud headphoness
- Construction equipment
- Motorcycles
- Busy Traffic
- Emergency Vehicles
- Nearby fireworks
- Jet engines
- Chainsaws
Is it Reversible?
Even though scientists are making advancements, presently, there isn’t a cure for noise related hearing loss. Some of the damage in your ear could be due to inflammation so you need to consult a doctor if you’ve been exposed to sudden loud noise. If you could decrease the swelling you may be able to reduce some long term damage. Sound waves are sent to the brain by the little hair cells in the ear. If noise harms or destroys them, they are unable to regenerate. So once they are gone, irreversible hearing loss is the consequence. This is why it is important that you take the required steps to safeguard your hearing, and if you are exposed to a loud noise, that you see a specialist as soon as possible.
Research to Address The Issue
This condition is currently incurable. However, researchers are looking for ways to restore noise-induced hearing loss. For instance, some studies are in clinical trials right now that are testing whether a drug can restore the growth of the tiny hairs in the ear. Age-induced hearing loss and loud noise can harm these hairs, but restoration would help repair hearing if researchers are capable of getting the drug to work.
Safeguard Your Remaining Hearing
While hearing loss that is a result of noise can’t be repaired (yet), you are able to take certain measures to reduce hearing loss or protect the remaining hearing that you have. Some things you can do include:
- If you work in an industry that has persistently loud noise, use the recommended hearing protection
- Whatever your hearing loss may be, hearing aids could be the solution
- Stay away from areas that constantly have loud noises
- Limit your exposure to very noisy activities at home
- Get tested routinely
Really, it’s best to eliminate exposure to loud noise by using hearing protection and lowering the volume on all your devices. But if you are exposed, schedule a hearing test.