Every day, we experience sounds in our environment, such as television and radio, home appliances and traffic sounds. Generally, these sounds are at safe levels that harm our hearing. But sounds can be harmful when they are very loud, even for a short time, or when they are both loud and long-lasting. These sounds can damage sensitive structures in the inner ear and cause noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).

The NIHL may be immediate or take a long time to become noticeable. It can be temporary or permanent, and it can affect one ear or both ears. Even if you have heard that you are harming your hearing, you may have trouble hearing in the future, such as when they are talking exclusively on the phone or in a noisy room. Are not able to understand. Even though it may affect you, one thing is certain: noise-induced hearing loss is something you can prevent.

Who is affected by NIHL?

Exposure to harmful noise can occur at any age. People of all ages, including children, adolescents, young adults, and the elderly, can develop noise-induced hearing loss. Based on the 2011–2012 CDC study, hearing tests and interviews with participants included at least 10 million adults (6 percent) under age 70 in the US – and perhaps 40 million adults (24 percent) of their hearing. ) As many tests that suggest hearing ability in one or both ears, which is due to exposure to noise. Researchers have also estimated that 17 percent of teens (ages 12 to 19) have characteristics of their hearing tests in one or both ears, based on data from 2005–2006.

What causes NIHL?

The NIHL may be caused by a one-time exposure to an intense “impulse” sound, such as an explosion, or by continuous exposure to loud sounds over an extended period of time, such as noise generated in a woodworking shop.

Recreational activities that may put you at risk for the NIHL include target shooting and hunting, snowmobile riding, listening to MP3 players through earbuds or headphones, playing in a band, and attending a loud concert. Harmful noise at home can come from sources of law, including leaf blowers and woodworking tools.

Noise-induced hearing loss symptoms

Here are some symptoms that indicate that you need your hearing done by a hearing care professional:

  • You can hear, yet have trouble understanding what other people are saying, or it sounds like they are dumb.
  • Exposure to noise causes your ear to ache.
  • Others comment that you are talking loudly or shouting.
  • You have tinnitus – ringing, whistling, roaring or buzzing sounds in your ears – after exposure to noise.

Other effects of loud noise exposure

Aside from damaging the hearing, loud noise exposure and NIHL can lead to:

  • Tension
  • anxiety
  • Insomnia even when the noise stops
  • high blood pressure
  • increased heart rate
  • Isolation due to hearing loss
  • Depression due to hearing loss

How can noise-induced hearing loss be prevented?

Noise-induced hearing loss is usually permanent, so it is important to take precautions to protect your ears. There are many solutions available for people who predict loud noise in situations, including:

  • Disposable foam earplugs, which are placed in the ear canal to block completely, can be purchased at drug, hardware and sporting goods stores. They come in different sizes and lower noise levels from 15 to 30 decibels, which is beneficial in most situations, but not all. Earplugs can be custom-molded to fit your ears by a hearing healthcare professional.
  • Earmuffs, which fit perfectly on the ears and form a seal, increase the noise level from 15 to 30 dB. You can connect earmuffs and plugs together for better noise reduction.
  • Friction and low noise can be reduced by replacing tighter machine parts and using a lubricant. Many cars, agricultural equipment, and other machinery have mufflers, silencers, and bearings that can reduce noise.
  • Turning off the music can preserve your hearing. Earbuds are inserted directly into the ear canals and loud music is applied to the ear. Be aware of how high your music is, and never use music to prevent other unwanted sounds. More on how to prevent hearing loss from headphones or earbuds.
  • Be warned Once you are aware of the dangers of noise, you will notice them everywhere and can take action. For example, avoid walking directly from active construction sites and cross the road instead. If you’re stuck in traffic on a busy highway, roll up your car’s windows for a quiet ride. Wear inexpensive foam earplugs when sowing lawns or operating leaf blowers.