Noise-induced hearing loss is extremely common. If you are always exposed to noise that exceeds 85 decibels, your hearing might be permanently impaired.
What is Noise-Related Hearing Loss?
There are tiny hair cells in your inner ear which can be irreversibly damaged by loud noise. This is called sensorineural hearing loss.
A progressive degeneration of hearing, eventually bringing about permanent hearing loss, occurs when you are subjected to very loud noise for a long period of time. It can also be caused by a single instance of a loud burst of sound that can immediately cause loss of hearing.
Over 17 percent of people between the ages of 20 and 69 have hearing loss that is a result of their work or recreational activities. Here are a few examples of noises that can result in hearing loss:
- Busy Traffic
- Jet engines
- Construction equipment
- Motorcycles
- Chainsaws
- Nearby fireworks
- Loud headphoness
- Sirens
Is it Reversible?
Even though scientists are making progress, presently, there is no cure for noise induced hearing loss. Some of the damage in your ear could be due to swelling so you need to consult a doctor if you have been exposed to sudden loud noise. If you could decrease the inflammation you might be able to reduce some lasting damage. Waves of sound are transmitted to the brain by the little hair cells inside of the ear. They never regenerate once they are destroyed. So once they are gone, permanent hearing impairment is the consequence. Safeguarding your ears, then, should be top priority, and consulting a specialist if you’re currently having hearing trouble.
Research to Tackle The Issue
There is presently no cure for this condition. But repairing noise-induced hearing loss is top priority for scientists. For example, some studies are in clinical trials presently that are testing whether a drug can restore the growth of the little hairs in the ear. If scientists were capable of getting this drug to work, these hairs would be able to restore and we may be able to overcome noise and age induced hearing loss.
What Hearing Remains Needs to be Safeguarded
Noise related hearing loss can’t be healed but if you take specific steps to protect your ears, the hearing you have left can be preserved into the future. Some things you can do include:
- Get regular hearing tests
- If you work in an occupation that has consistently loud noise, use the recommended hearing protection
- Keep away from areas that regularly have loud noises
- When you’re at home, limit your exposure to overly loud pursuits
- Whatever your hearing loss may be, hearing aids could be the solution
Actually, it’s best to eliminate exposure to loud noise by using hearing protection and lowering the volume on all your devices. Schedule a hearing test if you have been exposed to loud noise.