It’s extremely common for people to have loss of hearing caused by continued subjection to loud noise. If you are continuously around noise that exceeds 85 decibels, your hearing might be permanently damaged.
Exactly How Does Noise-Related Hearing Loss Work?
This is a type of sensorineural hearing loss where hair cells in your inner ear are irreversibly destroyed by noise.
Noise-induced hearing loss can be brought on by long-term subjection to very high levels of noise, which causes a gradual decline of your hearing. It can also be caused by a single event of a loud burst of noise that can immediately result in hearing loss.
More than 17 percent of individuals between the ages of 20 and 69 have hearing loss that is a result of their work or recreational activities. Some illustrations of noises that can result in hearing loss might include:
- Jet engines
- Nearby fireworks
- Chainsaws
- Construction equipment
- Loud headphoness
- Busy Traffic
- Motorcycles
- Emergency Vehicles
Can it be Reversed?
Although scientists are making progress, currently, there is no cure for noise related hearing loss. Some of the damage in your ear might be the result of swelling so you should consult a doctor if you’ve been exposed to sudden loud noise. You might be able to limit the damage that occurs by decreasing inflammation. The hair cells in your inner ear are in control of sending waves of sound to your brain. They never regenerate once they are destroyed. So once they’re gone, irreversible hearing impairment is the result. Safeguarding your ears, then, should be a priority, and seeing a specialist if you are presently having hearing problems.
Research to Tackle The Issue
There is currently no solution for this condition. But restoring noise-related hearing loss is top priority for researchers. 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 address noise and age related hearing loss.
Safeguard Your Remaining Hearing
While hearing loss that is caused by noise cannot be repaired (yet), you are capable of taking specific steps to prevent hearing loss or save the remaining hearing that you have. You can:
- When you’re at home, minimize your exposure to overly loud activities
- Use the appropriate hearing protection devices, like earmuffs or earplugs if you work in locations with consistently loud noises
- Manage any hearing loss you have with hearing aids
- Get routine hearing tests
- Stay away from places that constantly have loud noises
Keeping the volume down 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.