It’s very common for people to have loss of hearing brought on by repeated subjection to loud noise. If you are continuously exposed to noise that that is over 85 decibels, your hearing could be irreversibly damaged.
Exactly How Does Noise-Related Hearing Loss Work?
This is a type of sensorineural hearing loss where hair cells inside of your inner ear are permanently destroyed by noise.
A gradual deterioration of hearing, eventually leading to permanent hearing loss, occurs when you are subjected to very loud noise for a long period of time. Immediate damage can also happen if you are exposed to a burst of extremely damaging noise all at once.
Over 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 result in hearing loss:
- Nearby fireworks
- Construction equipment
- Sirens
- Chainsaws
- Busy Traffic
- Motorcycles
- Loud headphoness
- Jet engines
Can it be Reversed?
There is currently no remedy for noise-related hearing loss (though scientists are hard at work on it). Some of the damage inside your ear may be the result of inflammation so you should consult a doctor if you have been exposed to sudden loud noise. If you could reduce the inflammation you might be capable of reducing some permanent damage. Sound waves are transmitted to the brain by the little hair cells in the ear. If noise harms or kills them, they are unable to regenerate. Meaning that your ability to hear will be permanently impacted. This is the reason why it is important that you take the required steps to protect your hearing, and if you’re exposed to a loud noise, that you see a specialist as soon as possible.
Research to Tackle The Issue
This condition is presently not curable. But repairing noise-related hearing loss is top priority for scientists. There are clinical trials, for instance, that are attempting to restore these hairs with a trial drug. Age-induced hearing loss and loud noise can damage these hairs, but restoration would help repair hearing if scientists are able to get the drug to work.
Safeguard Your Remaining Hearing
While hearing loss that is caused by noise can’t be restored (yet), you are capable of taking certain steps to prevent hearing loss or protect the remaining hearing that you have. Some steps you can take include:
- Stay away from areas that constantly have loud noises
- When you’re at home, minimize your exposure to overly loud activities
- Use the proper hearing protection devices, such as earmuffs or earplugs if you work in places with persistently loud noises
- Undergo regular hearing tests
- Treat any hearing loss you have with hearing aids
Actually, it’s best to eliminate exposure to loud noise by using hearing protection and keeping the volume down on all your devices. But if you are exposed, schedule a hearing test.