We’re working to help you better understand noise-induced hearing loss and the steps you can take to prevent it from happening to you or someone you love.
What is Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?
The inner ear contains microscopic hair cells that respond to mechanical sound vibrations received by the ear and then send electrical signals to the auditory nerve. Excessive noise can damage these hair cells, and if enough hair cells are damaged, hearing loss results. Unfortunately, hearing loss caused by noise is usually permanent.
What are the Signs and Symptoms?
An extremely loud sound, such as a gunshot or fireworks, can result in an immediate, and sometimes permanent, loss of hearing. More often, however, noise-induced hearing loss happens in small increments over time — so gradually, you may not even be aware of it. Signs and symptoms of hearing loss include frequently asking people to repeat themselves; missing certain words or parts of words; turning up the TV or radio too loud for others; and difficulty hearing the voices of women or young children. Exposure to loud noises may also cause tinnitus, commonly referred to as “ringing in the ears”.
Who’s Affected by Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?
Our society has become increasingly noisy. Consequently, noise-induced hearing loss affects people of all ages, at work, at home and at play. High-risk situations include hunting and target shooting, attending rock concerts, mowing the lawn, riding ATVs and working in close proximity to industrial or farm equipment. Dangerous Decibels estimates that 30 million Americans are exposed to potentially harmful sounds at work.
How Can it be Prevented?
The good news is, noise-induced hearing loss is preventable. Here are a few recommended noise-avoidance tactics:
Turn down the volume on stereos and other electronics
Limit your time with, or walk away from, unsafe sound levels
If this isn’t possible, wear earplugs or other hearing protection devices
Safeguard the hearing of children who are too young to know better
Which Types of Noise Cause Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?
People experience noise-induced hearing loss through one-time exposure to a very loud sound, such as a gunshot (140 to 190 decibels), or repeated exposure to moderately loud sounds (85 decibels or higher), such as a lawn mower, power tools, motorcycle or machinery at work.
How to Properly Insert Foam Noise-Reduction Ear Plugs
Miracle-Ear Chief Audiology Officer, Dr. Thomas Tedeschi demonstrates how to properly insert foam noise-reduction ear plugs. Correctly using ear protection can help prevent hearing loss in potentially dangerous listening environments.
