Is Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Permanent?

Loud speakers can cause noise-induced hearing loss that is permanent.

It’s extremely common for people to have loss of hearing caused by repeated subjection to loud noise. Your hearing can be permanently damaged if you spend a lot of time exposed to noise that exceeds 85 dB.

Exactly How Does Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Work?

This is a kind of sensorineural hearing loss where hair cells inside of your inner ear are permanently damaged by noise.

A progressive degeneration of hearing, eventually bringing about permanent hearing loss, occurs when you are subjected to very loud noise for a long period of time. It can also be caused by a single event of a loud burst of noise that can instantly cause hearing loss.

More than 17 percent of people between the ages of 20 and 69 have hearing loss that is a result of their recreational or work activities. Some illustrations of noises that can result in hearing loss might include:

  • Sirens
  • Jet engines
  • Chainsaws
  • Motorcycles
  • Construction equipment
  • Loud volume on earphones
  • Nearby fireworks
  • Busy Traffic

Can it be Reversed?

Even though scientists are making advancements, currently, there isn’t a cure for noise related hearing loss. If you’ve been exposed to a loud noise, you should see a doctor right away, because some of the prolonged damage is due to swelling in the ear. You might be able to limit the damage that develops by decreasing swelling. Sound waves are transmitted to the brain by the little hair cells in the ear. If noise damages or destroys them, they are unable to regenerate. This means that your ability to hear will be permanently impacted. This is why it is crucial that you take the necessary steps to safeguard your hearing, and if you’re exposed to a loud noise, that you see a specialist as soon as possible.

Approaching The Problem With Research

There is currently no solution for this condition. However, scientists are looking for ways to restore noise-induced hearing loss. There are clinical trials, for instance, that are attempting to regrow these hairs with a trial drug. Age-related hearing loss and loud noise can harm these hairs, but regrowth would help restore hearing if scientists are capable of getting the drug to work.

Safeguard Your Remaining Hearing

Noise induced hearing loss can’t be cured but if you take certain steps to safeguard your ears, the hearing you have left can be protected into the future. You can:

  • Get tested regularly
  • When you’re at home, minimize your exposure to excessively loud activities
  • Treat any hearing loss you have with hearing aids
  • If you work in an industry that has consistently loud noise, use the correct hearing protection
  • If there are areas that regularly have loud noise – avoid them

Really, it’s best to eliminate exposure to loud noise by using hearing protection and lowering the volume on all your devices. Schedule a hearing test if you have been exposed to loud noise.

The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.

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