Noise-induced hearing loss is extremely common. Your hearing can be irreversibly impaired if you spend a lot of time around noise that is higher than 85 dB.
What is Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?
There are little hair cells in your inner ear which can be permanently harmed by loud noise. This is called sensorineural hearing loss.
Noise-induced hearing loss can be brought on by long-term subjection to extremely high levels of noise, which causes a gradual decline of your hearing. Immediate damage can also happen if you are exposed to a burst of extremely damaging noise all at once.
Work and recreational activities account for 17% of hearing loss in people between 20 and 69. Here are a few examples of noises that can cause hearing loss:
- Busy Traffic
- Loud volume on earphones
- Construction equipment
- Nearby fireworks
- Jet engines
Is it Reversible?
Even though scientists are making progress, presently, there isn’t a cure for noise induced hearing loss. If you have been exposed to a loud noise, you need to consult a doctor as soon as possible, because some of the lasting damage is caused by inflammation in the ear. If you could decrease the swelling you might be capable of reducing some lasting damage. Waves of sound are transmitted to the brain by the little hair cells inside of the ear. If noise damages or destroys them, they won’t regenerate. So once they are gone, permanent hearing impairment is the consequence. This is the reason why it is critical that you take the required steps to protect your hearing, and if you’re exposed to a loud noise, that you speak with an audiologist as soon as possible.
Addressing The Problem With Research
There is presently no cure for this condition. However, scientists are looking for ways to restore noise-related hearing loss. For instance, some research is in clinical trials presently that are evaluating 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 might be able to overcome noise and age induced hearing loss.
What Hearing Remains Needs to be Safeguarded
Noise induced 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 things you can do include:
- If you work in an industry that has consistently loud noise, use the recommended hearing protection
- Get tested regularly
- Stay away from areas that continuously have loud noises
- Treat any hearing loss you have with hearing aids
- Minimize your exposure to exceedingly noisy activities at home
Lowering the volume on your devices, wearing ear protection, and staying away from overly loud noise is the best way to safeguard your hearing. Schedule a hearing test if you have been exposed to loud noise.