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Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL)
Contributed by Joy Victory, managing editor, Healthy Hearing Our noisy world takes a toll on the delicate structures of the inner ear, sometimes resulting in permanent hearing loss.
Chart showing levels of noise from safe to dangerous to hearing
Exposure to hazardous noise is a common cause of hearing loss in adults. During our lives, the cumulative effects of noisy environments, also known as noise pollution, take a toll on the delicate structures of the inner ear. This can result in permanent sensorineural hearing loss. While adults are at highest risk of noise-induced hearing loss, the rapid increase in headphone and earbud use among kids and teens means they're at risk, too. Sound vs. noiseSound is what we hear when vibrations from the source travel through the air and reach our ears. Noise is sometimes defined as unwanted sound, whether it is ear-splitting feedback from an amplifier at a live concert, the boom of a fireworks display finale, the loud crack of gunfire, the roar of the lawnmower, or the piped in music and loud clamor of voices at a hip new restaurant. In fact, our world has gotten so noisy that "noise pollution" is now considered a public health threat. What is noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL)?In simple terms, noise-induced hearing loss is permanent damage to the tiny hair cells in your ears, known as stereocilia, from loud sounds. Akin to earthquakes, hazardous levels of noise produce vibrations in the hair cells that are so powerful they are damaging—sometimes permanently. Hair cells are not replaceable and do not regrow. Damaged hair cells are unable to trigger electrical signals to the brain, impeding hearing. Both intense but short noises—such as a nearby gunshot—and repeated or continuous exposure to loud noises—such as operating construction equipment—can damage the hair cells. Noise-induced hearing loss and your hearing test resultsNoise-notch hearing lossThere is no gold standard for measuring NIHL, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), although people often complain of difficulty understanding speech. Also, it's common to see what's known as a "noise-notch" pattern on hearing test results. This means that people with NIHL typically hear well at low frequencies, but struggle to hear at certain higher frequencies, resulting in a "noise notch" that can be charted on their audiogram. Noise-notch hearing loss means a person may struggle to hear speech, especially words with "t," "f" and "s" sounds in them, the NIDCD explains. (For example, the words "that," "fat" and "sat" are hard to distinguish.) Noise levels of common soundsIn general, people are advised against exposure to any sound above about 85 decibels, though it also depends on how long and how often a person is exposed, as well as how close they are to the sound. A hair stylist using a hair dryer at 70 dB all day can still develop hearing loss, for example, because of how long, how close and how often they are exposed. Symptoms of noise-induced hearing lossIf you experience hearing loss after exposure to a very loud noise (such as a gun blast), you may have damage to your hearing. You should see a hearing care provider as soon as possible. Other signs that you need to get your hearing tested by a hearing care professional include:
Common causes of noise-induced hearing lossWorkplace exposureA staggering 1 out of every 4 American workers have been exposed to dangerous noise, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and about 12% of all workers have hearing difficulty. Eight percent have tinnitus (which can result from noise exposure). CDC data shows that jobs with the highest risk include:
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to have hearing conservation programs to limit employees' hazardous noise exposure, including providing hearing protection equipment, maintaining machinery, placing barriers or isolating the noise source and developing a hearing conservation program to test employees' hearing. Read more about OSHA hearing regulations here. If you are provided hearing protection at your place of employment, take it seriously. Noise-induced hearing loss can be prevented. More: Hearing loss in the workplace Is your hobby harming your hearing?Things we do for fun can also cause NIHL, including hunting or shooting at a firing range, attending concerts, listening to loud music (or performing it), operating lawn and home improvement equipment, and riding motorcycles and snowmobiles. Other harmful effects of loud noise exposureAside from damaging your hearing, research shows that noise pollution and NIHL can lead to:
Fortunately, research shows that hearing aids help with many of these health problems. Can noise-induced hearing loss be prevented?Noise-induced hearing loss is usually permanent, so it's important to take precautions to protect your ears. There are several solutions available for people who anticipate being in loud noise situations, including:
How do I know if something is too loud?How loud is too loud? Your can find out via your phone and our list of the best smartphone decibel meter apps to measure noise levels. In general, though, you know it's too loud if you have to lean in close to talk to someone next to you, or shout at them. How do you treat noise-induced hearing loss?Noise-induced hearing loss is, unfortunately, permanent. Typically the best treatment for NIHL is properly fitted hearing aids. Today's technology works better than hearing aids of decades ago, and solutions are widely available for every budget and lifestyle need. If you already have hearing loss, find a hearing care provider near you and make an appointment. Joy Victory, managing editor, Healthy Hearing
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www.HealthyHearing.com |
Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL)
Contributed by Joy Victory, managing editor, Healthy Hearing Our noisy world takes a toll on the delicate structures of the inner ear, sometimes resulting in permanent hearing loss. |