Noise-induced hearing loss is very common. If you are constantly exposed to noise that exceeds 85 decibels, your hearing might be irreversibly damaged.
What is Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?
This is a kind of sensorineural hearing loss where hair cells in your inner ear are irreversibly damaged by noise.
Noise-related hearing loss can be brought on by long-term exposure to extremely high levels of noise, which causes a gradual deterioration of your hearing. Immediate damage can also occur if you are subjected to a burst of extremely damaging noise all of a sudden.
More than 17 percent of individuals between 20 to 69 have hearing loss that is a result of their work or recreational activities. Here are some examples of noises that can lead to hearing loss:
- Emergency Vehicles
- Chainsaws
- Loud volume on earphones
- Nearby fireworks
- Motorcycles
- Busy Traffic
- Construction equipment
- Jet engines
Can it be Reversed?
There is currently no remedy for noise-related hearing loss (although scientists are working on it). If you have been subjected to a loud noise, you should see a doctor right away, because some of the prolonged damage is due to swelling in the ear. If you could decrease the inflammation you might be capable of reducing some long term damage. The hair cells in your inner ear are responsible for transmitting waves of sound to your brain. If noise harms or kills them, they are unable to regenerate. This means that your ability to hear will be permanently impacted. Protecting your ears, then, should be a priority, and seeing a specialist if you are currently having hearing trouble.
Research to Tackle The Issue
There is currently no cure for this condition. However, scientists are looking for ways to restore noise-induced hearing loss. For example, some research is in clinical trials presently that are evaluating whether a drug can restore the growth of the little hairs in the ear. If scientists were capable of getting this drug to work, these hairs would be able to regenerate and we may be able to overcome noise and age related hearing loss.
Protect Your Remaining Hearing
Noise induced hearing loss can’t be healed but if you take specific steps to safeguard your ears, the hearing you have left can be preserved into the future. Some steps you can take include:
- Get tested routinely
- Reduce your exposure to exceedingly noisy activities at home
- Whatever your hearing loss may be, hearing aids could be the answer
- If there are areas that regularly have loud noise – avoid them
- If you work in an industry that has consistently loud noise, use the recommended hearing protection
Actually, it’s best to avoid exposure to loud noise by wearing hearing protection and keeping the volume down on all your devices. But if you are exposed, make an appointment for a hearing test.