Noise-related hearing loss is exceptionally common. If you are always exposed to noise that exceeds 85 decibels, your hearing might be permanently impaired.
What is Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?
There are tiny hair cells in your inner ear which can be irreversibly harmed by loud noise. This is called sensorineural hearing loss.
A gradual degeneration of hearing, eventually bringing about permanent hearing loss, occurs when you are exposed to very loud noise for a long period of time. Instant damage can also occur if you are subjected to a burst of extremely damaging noise all of a sudden.
Over 17 percent of people between 20 to 69 have hearing loss that is caused by their work or recreational activities. Some examples of noises that can result in hearing loss may include:
- Chainsaws
- Nearby fireworks
- Jet engines
- Busy Traffic
- Construction equipment
- Motorcycles
- Emergency Vehicles
- Loud headphoness
Can it be Reversed?
Although scientists are making progress, presently, there is no cure for noise induced hearing loss. Some of the damage inside your ear may be caused by inflammation so you need to talk to a doctor if you’ve been subjected to sudden loud noise. You may be capable of limiting the damage that occurs by decreasing inflammation. Waves of sound are sent to the brain by the little hair cells in the ear. If noise damages or destroys them, they are unable to regenerate. Meaning that your ability to hear will be permanently impacted. This is why it is critical that you take the necessary steps to protect your hearing, and if you’re exposed to a loud noise, that you see a specialist as soon as possible.
Research to Address The Issue
There is currently no cure for this condition. But restoring noise-induced hearing loss is top priority for researchers. There are clinical trials, for example, that are trying to regrow these hairs with an experimental drug. Age-related hearing loss and loud noise can harm these hairs, but restoration would help repair hearing if scientists are capable of getting the drug to work.
What Hearing Remains Needs to be Safeguarded
While hearing loss that is a result of noise can’t be restored (yet), you are capable of taking certain measures to prevent hearing loss or protect the remaining hearing that you have. Some steps you can take include:
- Get regular hearing tests
- When you’re at home, limit your exposure to excessively loud activities
- Stay away from places that continuously have loud noises
- Use the proper hearing protection devices, such as earmuffs or earplugs if you work in locations with consistently loud noises
- Whatever your hearing loss might be, hearing aids could be the solution
Keeping the volume down on your devices, wearing 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.