It’s extremely common for people to have hearing loss caused by continued subjection to loud noise. If you are continuously exposed to noise that that is over 85 decibels, your hearing might be permanently damaged.
Exactly How Does Noise-Related Hearing Loss Work?
There are little hair cells in your inner ear which can be irreversibly damaged by loud noise. This is known as sensorineural hearing loss.
Noise-related hearing loss can be caused by long-term subjection to very high levels of noise, which causes a gradual decline of your hearing. Instant damage can also happen if you are exposed to a burst of extremely damaging noise all of a sudden.
Recreational and work activities account for 17% of hearing loss in individuals between the ages of 20 and 69. Some illustrations of noises that can result in hearing loss might include:
- Busy Traffic
- Sirens
- Construction equipment
- Nearby fireworks
- Motorcycles
- Chainsaws
- Loud volume on earphones
- Jet engines
Can it be Reversed?
Even though scientists are making progress, currently, there isn’t a cure for noise induced hearing loss. If you have been subjected to a loud noise, you should consult a doctor right away, because some of the lasting damage is caused by inflammation in the ear. If you could reduce the swelling you might be able to reduce some lasting damage. Waves of sound are sent to the brain by the little hair cells inside of the ear. They never regenerate once they are ruined. This means that your hearing ability will be permanently impacted. This is the reason why it is essential that you take the appropriate steps to safeguard your hearing, and if you are exposed to a loud noise, that you speak with a specialist as soon as possible.
Approaching The Issue With Research
There is presently no cure for this condition. But restoring noise-induced hearing loss is top priority for scientists. There are clinical trials, for example, 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 regenerate and we might be able to address noise and age induced hearing loss.
Protect Your Remaining Hearing
While hearing loss that is a result of noise cannot be repaired (yet), you are capable of taking certain steps to reduce hearing loss or save the remaining hearing that you have. Some steps you can take include:
- If there are places that always have loud noise – avoid them
- Treat any hearing loss you have with hearing aids
- When you’re at home, minimize your exposure to excessively loud pursuits
- If you work in an occupation that has persistently loud noise, use the appropriate hearing protection
- Get tested routinely
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.