4 Facts About Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Noise-induced hearing loss is a type of damage that is caused to the ear when there’s been prolonged exposure of loud sound to the ear. Our ears are very sensitive and it’s something that we want to try and protect for as long as possible so that we can continue to have the best quality of hearing possible. With noise-induced hearing loss, it can affect just the one ear, or both, and so it’s worth knowing facts about hearing loss to hopefully avoid it from impacting you or a loved one.

It’s preventable

As far as all types of hearing loss go, noise-induced hearing loss is the only one that is completely preventable. It’s something that can be done if you know the hazards that loud sounds can cause and avoiding them as best as possible. Sound is measured in decibels (dB) and so you want to avoid anything that’s over the 85dB mark because anything higher than this is likely to cause permanent damage. 

It’s not just something that can happen on a singular occasion but it’s something that can happen over a period of time too. The more preventative measures you put in place, the better.

There are certain factors that influence susceptibility 

There are certain factors that influence the susceptibility of noise-induced hearing loss. And so, if you have or experience any of the below, then it’s certainly worth being more careful to avoid loud sounds in daily life:

• Family history of hearing loss
• Age
• Smoking
• Iron or Vitamin A deficiencies 

Hearing loss can impact your mental wellbeing

This can be said for all types of hearing loss but with any hearing loss in general, there can be a lot of strain on the body to concentrate on listening. When you have noise-induced hearing loss, you may find it challenging for your mental wellbeing. You may be exhausted and stressed out from having to concentrate so intently on what people are saying.

With noise-induced hearing loss, it can be quite difficult to carry on with daily life as usual without having to feel exhausted by trying to hear what others are saying or the noises around you.

It can be helped with hearing aids 

Thankfully, we have managed to help improve the quality of hearing when it’s been damaged. With noise-induced hearing loss, it can benefit from using hearing aids. It’s something that’s worth exploring with an audiologist if you an individual feel like they have it. Hearing aids can help bring some of that hearing quality back but it can’t do it completely.

If your ears have been impacted by noise-induced hearing loss, then it’s always good to seek professional advice and guidance. For the most part, though, try to use these tips to help prevent this hearing loss from happening to you at any point in your lifetime.