It’s very common for people to have loss of hearing brought on by continued subjection to loud noise. If you are always exposed to noise that exceeds 85 decibels, your hearing might be irreversibly impaired.
What is Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?
This is a form of sensorineural hearing loss where hair cells in your inner ear are permanently damaged by noise.
A gradual deterioration of hearing, eventually bringing about permanent hearing loss, develops when you are exposed to very loud noise for a long period of time. Immediate damage can also occur if you are exposed to a burst of extremely damaging noise all of a sudden.
More than 17 percent of people between the ages of 20 and 69 have hearing loss that is a result of their recreational or work activities. Here are a few examples of noises that can result in hearing loss:
- Jet engines
- Loud volume on earphones
- Jackhammers
- Chainsaws
- Sirens
- Motorcycles
- Nearby fireworks
- Busy Traffic
Can it be Reversed?
Although scientists are making advancements, presently, there isn’t a cure for noise related hearing loss. If you have been exposed to a loud noise, you need to consult a doctor right away, because some of the lasting damage is due to inflammation in the ear. You may be able to limit the damage that occurs by reducing swelling. The hair cells in your inner ear are in control of sending waves of sound to your brain. They never regenerate once they are ruined. This means that your hearing ability will be permanently impacted. Protecting your ears, then, should be a priority, and consulting a specialist if you are presently having hearing trouble.
Approaching The Issue With Research
There is currently no solution for this condition. But repairing noise-induced hearing loss is top priority for scientists. For instance, some research is in clinical trials presently that are evaluating whether a drug can repair the growth of the little hairs in the ear. Age-related hearing loss and loud noise can harm these hairs, but restoration would help restore hearing if scientists are capable of getting the drug to work.
Protect Your Remaining Hearing
Noise induced hearing loss can’t be cured but if you take specific steps to protect your ears, the hearing you have left can be protected into the future. Some things you can do include:
- Treat any hearing loss you have with hearing aids
- Undergo routine hearing tests
- Use the proper hearing protection devices, such as earmuffs or earplugs if you work in places with consistently loud noises
- When you’re at home, limit your exposure to overly loud pursuits
- Keep away from places that regularly have loud noises
Lowering the volume on your devices, wearing ear protection, and avoiding overly loud noise is the best way to safeguard your hearing. Make an appointment for a hearing test if you have been exposed to loud noise.