Noise-related hearing loss is extremely common. If you are always around noise that that is over 85 decibels, your hearing might be irreversibly impaired.
What is Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?
There are tiny hair cells in your inner ear which can be permanently damaged by loud noise. This is known as sensorineural hearing loss.
A progressive degeneration of hearing, eventually bringing about permanent hearing loss, develops when you are exposed to very loud noise over a long period of time. It can also be caused by a single instance of a loud burst of noise that can instantly cause hearing loss.
Recreational and work activities account for 17% of hearing loss in individuals between 20 and 69. Here are some examples of noises that can lead to hearing loss:
- Emergency Vehicles
- Construction equipment
- Jet engines
- Busy Traffic
- Nearby fireworks
- Loud headphoness
- Chainsaws
- Motorcycles
Can it be Reversed?
Although scientists are making advancements, presently, there is no cure for noise related hearing loss. If you have been exposed to a loud noise, you should consult a doctor right away, because some of the prolonged damage is caused by swelling in the ear. You may be able to limit the damage that occurs by reducing inflammation. Sound waves are transmitted to the brain by the little hair cells inside of the ear. They never regenerate once they are destroyed. This means that your hearing ability will be permanently impacted. This is why it is important that you take the appropriate steps to safeguard your hearing, and if you’re exposed to a loud noise, that you speak with a professional right away.
Approaching The Problem With Research
This condition is currently incurable. But restoring noise-induced hearing loss is top priority for researchers. There are clinical trials, for example, that are trying to restore these hairs with a trial drug. Age-related hearing loss and loud noise can harm these hairs, but regrowth would help restore hearing if researchers are capable of getting the drug to work.
What Hearing Remains Needs to be Safeguarded
Noise induced hearing loss can’t be cured but if you take certain steps to safeguard your ears, the hearing you have left can be preserved into the future. Some things you can do include:
- When you’re at home, minimize your exposure to excessively loud pursuits
- Manage any hearing loss you have with hearing aids
- If there are areas that always have loud noise – stay away from them
- Get tested regularly
- If you work in an occupation that has consistently loud noise, use the recommended hearing protection
Really, it’s best to avoid exposure to loud noise by using hearing protection and lowering the volume on all your devices. But if you are exposed, make an appointment for a hearing test.
