Noise-induced hearing loss is exceptionally common. If you are always exposed to noise that that is over 85 decibels, your hearing might be irreversibly impaired.
What is Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?
This is a kind of sensorineural hearing loss where hair cells inside of your inner ear are irreversibly damaged by noise.
Noise-induced hearing loss can be brought on by long-term subjection to very high levels of noise, which causes a gradual degeneration of your hearing. Instant damage can also happen if you are exposed to a burst of exceptionally damaging noise all at once.
More than 17 percent of individuals between 20 to 69 have hearing loss that is caused by their recreational or work activities. Some examples of noises that can result in hearing loss may include:
- Jet engines
- Motorcycles
- Jackhammers
- Chainsaws
- Emergency Vehicles
- Nearby fireworks
- Busy Traffic
- Loud headphoness
Is it Reversible?
There is currently no remedy for noise-related hearing loss (although scientists are hard at work on it). If you’ve been exposed to a loud noise, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible, because some of the lasting damage is caused by swelling in the ear. You may be capable of limiting the damage that occurs by reducing inflammation. The hair cells in your inner ear are responsible for sending sound waves to your brain. They never regenerate once they are ruined. So once they are gone, permanent hearing loss is the result. Safeguarding your ears, then, should be a priority, and consulting a specialist if you are presently having hearing problems.
Approaching The Problem With Research
This condition is presently not curable. However, researchers are looking for ways to repair noise-related hearing loss. For example, some research is in clinical trials presently that are testing whether a drug can restore the growth of the tiny hairs in the ear. If scientists were able to get this drug to work, these hairs would be able to restore and we may be able to overcome noise and age induced hearing loss.
Protect Your Remaining Hearing
Noise related 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:
- If there are places that always have loud noise – avoid them
- If you work in an occupation that has persistently loud noise, use the recommended hearing protection
- Limit your exposure to very noisy activities at home
- Get routine hearing tests
- Whatever your hearing loss may be, hearing aids could be the solution
Really, it’s best to eliminate exposure to loud noise by using hearing protection and lowering the volume on all your devices. Schedule a hearing test if you have been exposed to loud noise.