It’s extremely common for people to have loss of hearing caused by repeated exposure to loud noise. Your hearing can be permanently damaged if you spend a lot of time around noise that is higher than 85 dB.
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 damaged by noise.
A gradual deterioration of hearing, eventually bringing about permanent hearing loss, develops when you are subjected 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.
Over 17 percent of individuals between 20 to 69 have hearing loss that is a result of their work or recreational activities. Some illustrations of noises that can cause hearing loss may include:
- Loud headphoness
- Construction equipment
- Sirens
- Busy Traffic
- Nearby fireworks
- Motorcycles
- Chainsaws
- Jet engines
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 might be due to swelling so you need to consult a doctor if you’ve been exposed to sudden loud noise. If you could minimize the inflammation you might be capable of reducing some long term damage. The hair cells in your inner ear are in control of transmitting sound waves to your brain. They never regenerate once they are destroyed. This means that your ability to hear will be permanently affected. This is why it is critical that you take the required steps to protect your hearing, and if you are exposed to a loud noise, that you see a specialist right away.
Addressing The Issue With Research
There is presently no cure for this condition. However, scientists 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 repair the growth of these little hairs in the ear. If scientists were able to get this drug to work, these hairs would be able to restore and we might be able to overcome 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. You can:
- Stay away from areas that constantly have loud noises
- If you work in an industry that has persistently loud noise, use the recommended hearing protection
- When you’re at home, minimize your exposure to excessively loud pursuits
- Undergo routine hearing exams
- Whatever your hearing loss might be, hearing aids could be the answer
Actually, it’s best to avoid exposure to loud noise by wearing hearing protection and keeping the volume down on all your devices. But if you are exposed, make an appointment for a hearing test.