What is Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?
- Noise-induced hearing loss is the progressive loss of hearing caused by loud noise. It may or may not be accompanied by tinnitus (ringing in the ear). In the beginning the hearing loss and tinnitus may be temporary, but later become permanent if the noise exposure continues.
What Causes Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?
- Exposure to harmful sound levels damages the sensitive hair cells of the inner ear.
- Damage can be caused by two kinds of noise: loud impulse noise, such as an explosion and/or shooting, or loud continuous noise, usually over 85 decibels such as that generated for example in a woodworking shop, in a mine and also in an entertainment centre (disco or video-game arcade) and probably by the excessive use of personal stereo amplifiers.
- A rough estimate that noise is at a hazardous level is when one cannot have conversation with someone at a distance of 2 meters.
What Cures Noise-Induced Hearing Loss??
As there is no therapy available to reverse hair cell damage, preventive measures are essential to preserve hearing:
- Education on the harmful effects of loud noise and on noise protection; knowledge of which noises can cause damage.
- Wearing earplugs or other hearing protective devices when involved in a loud activity.
- Promoting and enforcing laws related to Occupational Safety found in nearly every country.
- Protecting children who are too young to protect themselves.
- Reducing excessive environmental noise.
