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The hearing loss related articles in this website are intended to be informational and are all written by Ellen Mc Laughlin who has been active in this field for many years.

Noise Induced Hearing Loss

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is the most preventable type of hearing loss. Unfortunately, it is also the fastest-growing type of hearing loss, due to the constant and loud levels of noise in modern society.

The hearing process is very delicate, and is not designed to handle either prolonged exposure to harmful levels of noise, or sudden, very loud noises at close range. Noise-induced hearing loss is the result of prolonged exposure to loud levels of noise, which damages the hair cells of the inner ear, the most critical part of the auditory system. Such hearing loss is permanent and irreversible. Unfortunately, its development is usually slow and painless, so that by the time a problem is recognized it’s too late to do anything about it other than prevention of further progression of hearing loss.

Prevention of noise-induced hearing loss should begin at a very early age, with an awareness of the kinds of noise exposure that will likely result in hearing loss as well as a knowledge of the simple steps that can be taken to reduce the likelihood of hearing loss induced by noise.

Sound is measured in decibels, the higher the decibel level, the more dangerous the noise is. Rock concerts and fireworks, for example, are an astounding 140 decibels.

Those who use lawnmowers, chainsaws and similar equipment are exposing themselves to over 100 decibels, as are motorcycle riders and those who work in machine and wood shops or near engines. Leisure activities such as snowmobiling and recreational shooting may also put one at risk of noise-induced hearing loss.

Without protection such as earplugs, such individuals are at serious risk of noise-induced hearing loss. Even traffic noise can cause hearing loss with prolonged exposure, as it is usually between 80 and 90 decibels.

Sudden, extremely loud noises experienced at a very close range can also easily cause sudden and permanent hearing loss, and are a major cause of noise-induced hearing loss, so care should be taken when working around or attending activities such as fireworks, recreational shooting, etc.

Teenagers and young adults are especially at risk for noise-induced hearing loss, as they often enjoy listening to loud music, attending rock concerts, and even playing music in their own bands, often with the use of amplifiers.

At least some loss of hearing will almost always result from prolonged use of headphones to listen to music, as the loud sounds are concentrated directly into the delicate inner ear.

Enhanced bass stereo systems in cars can expose a listener to well over 120 decibels of noise, which will almost certainly induce some level of hearing loss.

It is estimated that thirty million Americans are currently at risk of noise-induced hearing loss, and ten million have already suffered permanent and irreversible hearing loss induced by noise.

Some simple protective measures, such as the wearing of earplugs and/or earmuffs when engaging in high-risk activities, along with not listening to loud music or music through headphones, can go a long way toward the prevention of noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus.

Hearing loss, no matter how mild or temporary, is always difficult to deal with. While the vast majority of Americans have normal hearing, approximately eight percent of the population suffers from some form of hearing loss that affects their ability to properly function, as well as the quality of their daily lives.