It’s extremely common for people to have hearing loss brought on by repeated exposure to loud noise. If you are always exposed to noise that that is over 85 decibels, your hearing may be permanently impaired.
Exactly How Does Noise-Related Hearing Loss Work?
This is a form of sensorineural hearing loss where hair cells inside of your inner ear are permanently destroyed by noise.
Noise-induced hearing loss can be caused by long-term exposure to very high levels of noise, which causes a gradual decline of your hearing. Immediate damage can also occur if you are exposed to a burst of extremely damaging noise all of a sudden.
Work and recreational activities are responsible for 17% of hearing loss in individuals between 20 and 69. Here are a few examples of noises that can result in hearing loss:
- Motorcycles
- Nearby fireworks
- Jet engines
- Emergency Vehicles
- Loud volume on earphones
- Busy Traffic
- Construction equipment
- Chainsaws
Can it be Reversed?
Although scientists are making progress, currently, there is no cure for noise induced hearing loss. If you have been subjected to a loud noise, you need to see a doctor right away, because some of the lasting damage is due to swelling in the ear. You might be able to limit the damage that occurs by reducing swelling. Sound waves are transmitted to the brain by the little hair cells in the ear. They never regenerate once they are destroyed. So once they are gone, permanent hearing impairment is the result. This is the reason why it is critical that you take the required steps to safeguard your hearing, and if you’re exposed to a loud noise, that you speak with a specialist right away.
Research to Tackle The Issue
This condition is currently not curable. However, scientists are looking for ways to repair noise-induced hearing loss. For example, some research is in clinical trials presently that are evaluating whether a drug can repair the growth of the tiny hairs in the ear. Age-related hearing loss and loud noise can harm these hairs, but regrowth would help repair hearing if researchers are able to get the drug to work.
What Hearing Remains Needs to be Safeguarded
Noise related hearing loss can’t be cured but if you take specific steps to protect your ears, the hearing you have left can be protected into the future. You can:
- Get routine hearing tests
- If you work in an occupation that has persistently loud noise, use the correct hearing protection
- Stay away from areas that continuously have loud noises
- When you’re at home, limit your exposure to excessively loud activities
- Whatever your hearing loss may be, hearing aids could be the answer
Keeping the volume down 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.