Next to age-related hearing loss, noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is the second most common type of sensorineural hearing loss. It can happen after exposure to harmful, loud noise – both sudden or over long periods of time. It may be temporary or permanent and can affect anyone of any age.
Read on to learn more about noise-induced hearing loss.
Noise-induced hearing loss (also referred to as NIHL) happens when loud noises damage the delicate structures of your inner ear. Most of the time, the sounds in our everyday lives are at a safe volume, however, there are occasions when sounds become too loud or last too long such as explosions or heavy machinery. These loud sounds can lead to NIHL.
Depending on the type and extent of the damage, NIHL can be temporary or permanent but, unlike many other types of hearing loss, it can be preventable.
The extent of your hearing loss will usually depend on what has caused your NIHL. There are two types of noise-induced hearing loss caused by two different types of noises.
Also known as acute trauma, a single loud event such as exposure to a loud noise at 120 decibels or above like an explosion, gunshot, or firecracker can cause immediate hearing damage. In these instances, hearing loss can be immediate and permanent.
This type is also called chronic NIHL. It happens over a long time with gradual exposure. You may go for weeks, months or even years before noticing symptoms.
Both occupations and recreational activities can cause NIHL without proper ear protection. If you work with construction equipment, aeroplanes such as airport ground personnel, or even with dentistry equipment, prolonged exposure to these loud sounds over 85 dB can lead to NIHL. Additionally, if you attend lots of music concerts or listen to music in headphones too loud, you can do irreparable damage to your hearing over time.
You may notice a few symptoms that could indicate noise-induced hearing loss. Depending on said cause, symptoms might be immediate or they may develop over time.
Unlike other types of hearing loss (such as age-related hearing loss), NIHL can be preventable with some simple steps.
Whenever you spend time in noisy environments, always use hearing protection such as ear defenders or ear plugs. They can help protect your hearing from loud noises produced by heavy machinery, concerts, and bars.
Try to spend less time in environments that exceed 85 decibels without hearing protection and lower the volume on the stereo or your headphones when listening to music or podcasts.
Attending regular hearing check-ups can help you catch hearing problems as early as possible. THCP offer free hearing assessments so make sure to book yourself in if it’s been a while since your last hearing test.
Your NIHL may get better on its own (only time will tell) but if it’s permanent, there are a few options for treatment, although it’s not curable at that point.
The go-to treatment for NIHL is hearing aids. These small units come in a range of different sizes depending on how severe your hearing loss is and work to amplify sound, feeding it directly into your ear canal.
Depending on the severity of your hearing loss or if it worsens over time, you may be offered cochlear implants instead. These devices are surgically fitted and feed sound data directly into your cochlear (hearing) nerve instead of through your ears.
Tinnitus is a common symptom of hearing loss. It can range from a quiet ringing sound to a rushing roar and can impact your daily life. If you have tinnitus, book a hearing assessment at your local THCP branch to receive advice on treatments and coping strategies.
Anyone of any age can develop NIHL. But you don’t have to miss out on going to concerts, seeing fireworks and doing other things you love – just make sure you wear ear plugs if you know it’s going to be noisy.
Noise-induced hearing loss is one of the most common types of hearing loss and can happen to anyone who is exposed to loud noises. It can happen suddenly or over a period of time and may or may not be permanent but can be easily prevented. Wearing hearing protection in noisy environments that exceed 85 dB and attending regular hearing assessments will help to preserve your hearing as long as possible. If you suspect that you or a loved one has hearing loss, book a free hearing assessment with The Hearing Care Partnership.