Understanding Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Noise-induced hearing loss is one of the most common forms of hearing loss, caused by exposure to loud sounds. The exposure time varies depending on the situation: for some, hearing loss may develop gradually over a number of years of exposure, while others may experience a one-time traumatic event of dangerously loud volume (service men and women in combat zones, gunshots, fireworks, etc.) that causes permanent hearing loss.
Like presbycusis (age-related hearing loss), noise-induced hearing loss is a sensorineural hearing loss. This means that it affects the inner ear apparatus, specifically the inner ear hair cells. These hair cells are responsible for translating sound waves into neural signals, which are sent to the brain to be processed and recognized as sounds. Exposure to loud noises, whether gradually or in a one-time event, could permanently damage these inner ear hair cells. Because they do not regenerate, this leads to permanent sensorineural hearing loss.
Noise-induced hearing loss, as with other forms of hearing loss, is most commonly treated with the prescription of hearing aids. Because it tends to happen gradually, noise-induced hearing loss may not be recognized as such. A comprehensive hearing test gives you the information you need about treating your hearing loss. If you have noticed that your hearing abilities have changed – turning up the volume on devices and media, asking people to repeat themselves, avoiding noisy situations – then contact us at Hearing Wellness Solutions to schedule a hearing test and consultation.
While noise-induced hearing loss most often occurs in situations where you are exposed to loud sounds for long periods of time, such as a noisy workplace (construction, factory, etc.), there are everyday sounds that we experience that could impact our hearing abilities.
Common Sounds That May Harm Your Hearing
Hearing specialists tell us that sounds over 85 decibels, when experienced for over an hour, have the potential to permanently damage our hearing. Here, we share some common sounds in our daily life that could harm our hearing.
Hairdryer: For hair stylists in the salon or someone who dries their hair daily at home, the hairdryer is a common appliance that exposes you to incredibly loud sound at an incredibly close proximity. With noise levels ranging from 80 to 100 decibels, hairdryers are used very close to your ears, which could be harmful. Look for hairdryers that have quieter settings, and use a slower setting for less noise level.
Garbage Truck: We always know when it’s trash pick up day because you can hear the garbage truck down the block – from inside your house! Garbage trucks range from 85 to 100 decibels as they’re compacting trash. For folks who work with garbage trucks, hearing protection is highly recommended. In terms of occupational hearing hazards, exposure to sounds at 85 decibels for more than 8 hours a day could seriously damage your hearing.
Power Tools: For all of those folks who love do-it-yourself carpentry projects, make sure that you use earplugs! Power tools, from saws to jackhammers, produce sounds above 100 decibels. This level of exposure, in just 15 minutes, could cause harm to your hearing.
School Environments: Did you know that preschool and kindergarten teachers are at risk for developing noise-induced hearing loss? When you combine all of the voices in an energetic classroom, the sounds could rise above 100 decibels. For education settings, consider a pair of customized earplugs that are molded to fit your ear canals. This allows you to hear the sounds you want to hear, while filtering out the excessive background noise.
Protect Your Hearing
With our sense of hearing, it is as Joni Mitchell once said, “Don’t it always seem to go that you don’t know what you got ‘til it’s gone?” Hearing loss is a permanent condition, so prevention is important in maintaining your hearing abilities.
Use technology to your advantage by downloading an app for your smartphone that measures decibels in your environment. Take breaks from loud spaces, such as rock concerts or live venues. Protect your hearing by using earplugs or custom hearing protection whenever you are exposed to loud sounds. Carrying a pair of earplugs or custom-made earplugs with you ensures that you can protect your hearing in situations that are unexpectedly loud.
Schedule an annual hearing test with us at Hearing Wellness Solutions. Our team assesses your hearing abilities and will catch any changes year to year, ensuring that if you do develop a hearing loss, we can address it immediately. To schedule a consultation, contact us today.