It’s very common for people to have hearing loss brought on by continued subjection to loud noise. If you are always exposed to noise that that is over 85 decibels, your hearing might be permanently impaired.
Exactly How Does Noise-Related Hearing Loss Work?
This is a type of sensorineural hearing loss where hair cells inside of your inner ear are permanently destroyed by noise.
Noise-induced hearing loss can be brought on by long-term exposure to very high levels of noise, which leads to a gradual decline of your hearing. Immediate damage can also occur if you are subjected to a burst of extremely damaging noise all at once.
More than 17 percent of people between 20 to 69 have hearing loss that is caused by their work or recreational activities. Here are some examples of noises that can lead to hearing loss:
- Loud headphoness
- Busy Traffic
- Construction equipment
- Emergency Vehicles
- Motorcycles
- Jet engines
- Chainsaws
- Nearby fireworks
Is it Reversible?
Although scientists are making advancements, currently, there is no cure for noise induced hearing loss. Some of the damage inside your ear may be the result of swelling so you need to consult a doctor if you’ve been subjected to sudden loud noise. You might be capable of limiting the damage that occurs by reducing inflammation. The hair cells in your inner ear are responsible for sending waves of sound to your brain. They never regenerate once they are ruined. This means that your hearing ability will be permanently affected. This is the reason why it is essential 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 incurable. But restoring noise-related hearing loss is top priority for researchers. For example, some studies are in clinical trials presently that are testing whether a drug can restore the growth of the tiny hairs in the ear. 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 related hearing loss.
What Hearing Remains Needs to be Protected
Noise related hearing loss can’t be healed 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:
- Minimize your exposure to extremely noisy activities at home
- If you work in an industry that has persistently loud noise, use the appropriate hearing protection
- Stay away from areas that constantly have loud noises
- Get tested routinely
- Treat any hearing loss you have with hearing aids
Keeping the volume down on your devices, wearing ear protection, and avoiding overly loud noise is the best way to protect your hearing. Make an appointment for a hearing test if you have been exposed to loud noise.