Noise-related hearing loss is exceptionally common. If you are always exposed to noise that that is over 85 decibels, your hearing may be irreversibly damaged.
What is Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?
There are tiny hair cells inside your inner ear which can be irreversibly damaged 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 subjected to very loud noise over a long period of time. It can also be caused by a single event of a loud burst of sound that can immediately cause hearing loss.
Over 17 percent of individuals between 20 to 69 have hearing loss that is caused by their recreational or work activities. Here are a few examples of noises that can lead to hearing loss:
- Construction equipment
- Jet engines
- Nearby fireworks
- Motorcycles
- Emergency Vehicles
- Loud volume on earphones
- Busy Traffic
- Chainsaws
Can it be Reversed?
Even though scientists are making advancements, currently, there isn’t a cure for noise induced hearing loss. If you’ve been subjected to a loud noise, you should see a doctor as soon as possible, because some of the long-term damage is due to swelling in the ear. You may be able to limit the damage that develops by decreasing swelling. Sound waves are sent to the brain by the little hair cells inside of the ear. If noise harms or kills them, they won’t regenerate. So once they are gone, permanent hearing impairment is the consequence. Safeguarding your ears, then, should be a priority, and seeing a specialist if you are presently having hearing trouble.
Research to Manage The Issue
There is currently no cure for this condition. But repairing noise-induced hearing loss is top priority for scientists. There are clinical trials, for instance, that are attempting to restore these hairs with a trial drug. If scientists were capable of getting this drug to work, these hairs would be able to restore and we might be able to overcome noise and age induced hearing loss.
What Hearing Remains Needs to be Safeguarded
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. Some steps you can take include:
- Stay away from areas that regularly have loud noises
- Reduce your exposure to exceedingly noisy activities at home
- Undergo regular hearing exams
- Use the proper hearing protection devices, like earplugs or earmuffs if you work in places with persistently loud noises
- Whatever your hearing loss may be, hearing aids could be the solution
Lowering the volume on your devices, using ear protection, and staying away from overly loud noise is the best way to safeguard your hearing. But if you are exposed, make an appointment for a hearing test.