HOW NOISE AFFECTS HEARING

Exposure to loud noise is the most common cause of hearing loss. The effect of noise exposure is highest in males and can vary from person to person. Noise induced hearing loss can be reduced or prevented.

The inner ear contains hair cells that change sound waves into nerve impulses that are sent to the brain. The loudness of noise and the amount of exposure to loud sounds damage these hair cells and cause sensory hearing loss. Acoustic trauma is damage caused by very loud sounds, such as explosions, gunshot, firecrackers, or engines. The damage is immediate with permanent hearing loss. Continuous or repeated exposure to moderate noise levels caused by power tools, chain saws, or loud music affects hearing as well.

Noise-induced hearing loss may go unnoticed for a while because it causes very few obvious symptoms. Feelings of ear fullness or pressure, muffled hearing or ringing in the ear may occur immediately after hearing loud noise and then improve. As noise exposure is repeated, more cells are damaged and the hearing loss becomes permanent. The first symptom that is noticed is not hearing higher pitched sounds, like the singing of birds or the speech of women or children.

Most noise damage is preventable. If you need to raise your voice above the noise in a room to be heard by someone an arm's length away, you should leave the area. The room's noise level is probably too loud to be safe for a long period of time. This is also true for headsets. If you can hear the music coming from a headset to a Walkman, the loud volume puts that person's hearing at risk and should be lowered.

When exposed to noise, wear hearing protection devices, such as earmuffs or earplugs. Hunters and target shooters should wear ear protection when firing guns. The government requires employers to provide hearing protection for employees in noisy work areas.

Noise-induced hearing loss is cumulative and progressive. With proper precautions, the effects can be minimized. If you suspect a hearing loss, contact your healthcare provider for a hearing exam.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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