Noise-induced hearing loss is very common. If you are always exposed to noise that that is over 85 decibels, your hearing may be irreversibly damaged.
What is Noise-Related Hearing Loss?
There are little hair cells in your inner ear which can be irreversibly harmed by loud noise. This is known as 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. Immediate damage can also occur if you are subjected to a burst of exceptionally damaging noise all of a sudden.
More than 17 percent of individuals between the ages of 20 and 69 have hearing loss that is caused by their work or recreational activities. Here are some examples of noises that can cause hearing loss:
- Emergency Vehicles
- Chainsaws
- Loud volume on earphones
- Motorcycles
- Nearby fireworks
- Construction equipment
- Busy Traffic
- Jet engines
Is it Reversible?
Although scientists are making advancements, presently, there isn’t a cure for noise induced hearing loss. Some of the damage inside your ear could be the result of inflammation so you should see a doctor if you’ve been exposed to sudden loud noise. If you could minimize the inflammation you may be capable of reducing some lasting damage. The hair cells inside of your inner ear are responsible for sending 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 the reason why it is critical that you take the appropriate steps to safeguard your hearing, and if you are exposed to a loud noise, that you consult a specialist right away.
Research to Manage The Issue
There is presently no solution for this condition. However, researchers are looking for ways to repair noise-related hearing loss. There are clinical trials, for instance, that are trying to restore these hairs with a trial drug. Age-induced hearing loss and loud noise can damage these hairs, but restoration would help restore hearing if researchers are able to get the drug to work.
What Hearing Remains Needs to be Safeguarded
Noise induced hearing loss can’t be healed but if you take specific steps to protect your ears, the hearing you have left can be protected into the future. You can:
- Stay away from places that continuously have loud noises
- Use the proper hearing protection devices, like earmuffs or earplugs if you work in places with consistently loud noises
- Whatever your hearing loss might be, hearing aids could be the answer
- Get routine hearing exams
- When you’re at home, limit your exposure to overly loud pursuits
Keeping the volume down on your devices, wearing ear protection, and staying away from overly loud noise is the best way to protect your hearing. Schedule a hearing test if you have been exposed to loud noise.