Noise-induced hearing loss is exceptionally common. If you are continuously exposed to noise that exceeds 85 decibels, your hearing could be irreversibly damaged.
Exactly How Does Noise-Related Hearing Loss Work?
This is a kind of sensorineural hearing loss where hair cells inside of your inner ear are irreversibly destroyed by noise.
Noise-related hearing loss can be brought on by long-term exposure to very high levels of noise, which causes a gradual decline of your hearing. It can also be caused by a single instance of a loud burst of sound that can instantly result in hearing loss.
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 illustrations of noises that can result in hearing loss may include:
- Chainsaws
- Loud headphoness
- Jackhammers
- Nearby fireworks
- Busy Traffic
- Jet engines
- Emergency Vehicles
- Motorcycles
Is it Reversible?
There is presently no remedy for noise-related hearing loss (though scientists are hard at work on it). If you have been exposed to a loud noise, you need to see a doctor right away, because some of the prolonged damage is due to inflammation in the ear. You might 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. If noise damages or kills them, they won’t regenerate. So once they are gone, permanent hearing impairment is the result. This is the reason why it is crucial that you take the appropriate steps to safeguard your hearing, and if you are exposed to a loud noise, that you speak with a specialist right away.
Addressing The Issue With Research
There is currently no solution for this condition. However, scientists are looking for ways to repair noise-induced hearing loss. There are clinical trials, for instance, that are trying 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.
What Hearing Remains Needs to be Protected
Noise related hearing loss can’t be cured but if you take specific steps to safeguard your ears, the hearing you have left can be preserved into the future. Some steps you can take include:
- Whatever your hearing loss might be, hearing aids could be the solution
- Use the appropriate hearing protection devices, such as earmuffs or earplugs if you work in places with persistently loud noises
- If there are places that always have loud noise – avoid them
- When you’re at home, limit your exposure to overly loud pursuits
- Take routine hearing exams
Lowering the volume on your devices, using ear protection, and avoiding overly loud noise is the best way to protect your hearing. Schedule a hearing test if you have been exposed to loud noise.