It’s extremely common for people to have loss of hearing caused by continued subjection to loud noise. If you are constantly around noise that exceeds 85 decibels, your hearing may be permanently damaged.
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 known as sensorineural hearing loss.
Noise-induced hearing loss can be caused by long-term exposure to extremely high levels of noise, which leads to a gradual degeneration 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.
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 cause hearing loss:
- Jet engines
- Chainsaws
- Loud volume on earphones
- Motorcycles
- Jackhammers
- Busy Traffic
- Sirens
- Nearby fireworks
Can it be Reversed?
Although 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 need to consult a doctor right away, because some of the long-term damage is due to swelling in the ear. If you could minimize the inflammation you might be capable of reducing some long term damage. Waves of sound are transmitted to the brain by the little hair cells inside of the ear. They never regenerate once they are ruined. So once they’re gone, permanent hearing impairment is the result. Protecting your ears, then, should be top priority, and consulting a specialist if you are presently having hearing problems.
Approaching The Problem With Research
There is presently no solution for this condition. But repairing noise-related hearing loss is top priority for researchers. There are clinical trials, for instance, that are attempting to restore these hairs with an experimental 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.
Protect Your Remaining Hearing
While hearing loss that is a result of noise cannot be restored (yet), you are able to take certain steps to reduce hearing loss or save the remaining hearing that you have. Some steps you can take include:
- Whatever your hearing loss may be, hearing aids could be the solution
- Keep away from areas that regularly have loud noises
- When you’re at home, limit your exposure to overly loud pursuits
- Use the proper hearing protection devices, like earmuffs or earplugs if you work in locations with consistently loud noises
- Get tested regularly
Actually, it’s best to avoid exposure to loud noise by using hearing protection and keeping the volume down on all your devices. But if you are exposed, make an appointment for a hearing test.