It’s very common for people to have hearing loss caused by continued exposure to loud noise. Your hearing can be permanently impaired if you spend a lot of time around noise that exceeds 85 dB.
Exactly How Does Noise-Related Hearing Loss Work?
There are tiny hair cells inside your inner ear which can be irreversibly harmed by loud noise. This is called sensorineural hearing loss.
A gradual deterioration of hearing, eventually bringing about permanent hearing loss, develops when you are exposed to very loud noise over a long period of time. Instant damage can also occur if you are exposed to a burst of exceptionally damaging noise all at once.
Work and recreational activities are responsible for 17% of hearing loss in individuals between 20 and 69. Some examples of noises that can cause hearing loss may include:
- Construction equipment
- Motorcycles
- Busy Traffic
- Loud headphoness
- Chainsaws
- Nearby fireworks
- Emergency Vehicles
- Jet engines
Can it be Reversed?
There is currently no remedy for noise-related hearing loss (though scientists are working on it). Some of the damage inside your ear could be the result of swelling so you should consult a doctor if you have been subjected to sudden loud noise. If you could decrease the inflammation you may be capable of reducing some lasting damage. Sound waves are transmitted to the brain by the little hair cells in the ear. They never regenerate once they are destroyed. Meaning that your hearing ability will be permanently affected. Safeguarding your ears, then, should be a priority, and seeing a specialist if you’re currently having hearing trouble.
Research to Manage The Issue
There is currently no solution for this condition. However, researchers are searching for ways to repair noise-induced hearing loss. For example, some studies are in clinical trials right now that are evaluating whether a drug can restore the growth of these tiny hairs in the ear. Age-related hearing loss and loud noise can damage these hairs, but regrowth would help repair hearing if scientists are capable of getting the drug to work.
Protect Your Remaining Hearing
While hearing loss that is a result of noise cannot be repaired (yet), you are able to take certain steps to prevent hearing loss or save the remaining hearing that you have. You can:
- When you’re at home, limit your exposure to excessively loud activities
- Keep away from areas that constantly have loud noises
- Use the appropriate hearing protection devices, like earplugs or earmuffs if you work in places with persistently loud noises
- Get regular hearing tests
- Whatever your hearing loss may be, hearing aids could be the answer
Really, it’s best to eliminate exposure to loud noise by using hearing protection and keeping the volume down on all your devices. Make an appointment for a hearing test if you have been exposed to loud noise.
