It’s very common for people to have loss of hearing brought on by continued subjection to loud noise. Your hearing can be permanently damaged if you spend a lot of time around noise that exceeds 85 dB.
Exactly How Does Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Work?
This is a form of sensorineural hearing loss where hair cells inside of your inner ear are irreversibly damaged by noise.
A progressive deterioration of hearing, eventually bringing about permanent hearing loss, develops 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 instantly result in loss of hearing.
Recreational and work activities are responsible for 17% of hearing loss in people between the ages of 20 and 69. Some illustrations of noises that can cause hearing loss may include:
- Loud volume on earphones
- Sirens
- Nearby fireworks
- Construction equipment
- Chainsaws
- Motorcycles
- Jet engines
- Busy Traffic
Can it be Reversed?
There is currently no cure for noise-related hearing loss (although scientists are working on it). If you’ve been exposed to a loud noise, you should see a doctor as soon as possible, because some of the prolonged damage is caused by inflammation in the ear. You might be capable of limiting the damage that develops by decreasing inflammation. 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’re gone, permanent hearing loss is the result. This is the reason why it is critical that you take the necessary steps to protect your hearing, and if you are exposed to a loud noise, that you see a specialist as soon as possible.
Approaching The Issue With Research
There is presently no solution for this condition. But restoring noise-related hearing loss is top priority for scientists. There are clinical trials, for example, that are attempting to restore these hairs with a trial drug. If scientists were capable of getting this drug to work, these hairs would be able to regenerate and we may be able to overcome noise and age induced hearing loss.
Safeguard Your Remaining Hearing
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 things you can do include:
- Keep away from areas that constantly have loud noises
- Get tested routinely
- If you work in an occupation that has consistently loud noise, use the recommended hearing protection
- When you’re at home, limit your exposure to overly loud activities
- Whatever your hearing loss might be, hearing aids could be the answer
Really, it’s best to eliminate 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.
