Understanding Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Many individuals with hearing loss experience the type described as noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). According to a recent survey by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 40 million US adults aged between 20-69 have this condition. The numerous pleasurable sounds we hear daily are at a safe level and pose no harm to our hearing. However, when sounds are too loud, they can have a damaging effect on one’s hearing when exposed for a short period or even for a long time at moderate levels. 

Loud sounds can cause harm to the inner part of the ear and lead to more extensive hearing loss. 

How your hearing system works 

The auditory system plays one of the most complex and fascinating functions in the body. Having a fair understanding of how your hearing occurs is key to a better knowledge of noise-induced hearing loss:

• Sound waves enter the ear by the ear canal. 
• The sound waves then travel from the ear canal to the eardrum to move three tiny bones: the malleus, incus and staples. 
• The resulting vibrations to the small bones cause fluid ripples and waves in the cochlea, an organ in the inner ear that’s filled with liquid.
• Fluid movement in the inner ear makes the hair-like cells bend and stimulate the top of the liquid. 
• The bending hair-like cells transmit the sound waves into the ear’s electrical signals. 
• The signals are then sent through the auditory nerve for mind processing to interpret the signals for understanding. 

Sound measurement 

Sound is measured in decibels. While an increase of 10 decibels appears twice the loudness in your ear, its intensity is ten times more. This is because people can’t hear all the sound pitches or frequencies. A usual whisper is 30dB, while regular conversations are between 60 to 70 decibels. A louder sound takes a shorter period for you to experience hearing loss. 

Causes and effects 

Cumulative effects from noisy environments, also referred to as noise pollution, progressively affect the delicate inner ear structures during our everyday lives. Although NIHL is prevalent mainly in adults, the increasing use of earbuds and headphones exposes young people. 

Exposure to persistent loud noises, for example, from a woodworking shop, can cause hearing loss for a considerable period. Several daily activities put you at risk, including; 

• Attending loud concerts 
• Staying within noisy environments for extended periods like using lawnmowers. 
• Riding motorcycles or snowmobiles

While everybody is at risk of noise-induced hearing loss, others could be at higher risk due to genetics, which may carry some information that serves as building blocks for how people turnout. These genes make some people more prone to developing NIHL. However, research is still being carried out to determine the genes with increased risk. 

Treatment for noise-induced hearing loss

Damage from NIHL is permanent. However, the use of hearing aids with masking features has proven effective in treating the condition. Other treatments may include sound machines, tinnitus retraining therapy to treat the buzzing, hissing and different sounds present in the ear when there’s no external sound.

Earwax removal or avoiding certain lifestyle habits like drinking and smoking may likewise be practical. Your audiologist is better positioned to recommend the proper treatment type for your hearing loss.