Noise-induced hearing loss happens when hair cells in the hearing organ (the cochlea) are damaged by being exposed to higher-than -normal noise levels.
Noise-induced hearing loss usually occurs in both ears and is characterised by not being able to hear noises between 3,000 and 6,000 Hertz (Hz). It's the second most common cause of hearing loss, after age-related hearing loss (presbycusis).
Excessive long-term exposure to louder-than-normal sounds (typically sounds over 70 dB) is the main cause of noise-induced hearing loss.
The extent of the damage and the speed of its onset depends on a number of factors, including:
Noise-induced hearing loss is caused by either recreational (loud music, concerts, headphone use, etc.) or occupational (working in a factory, industrial noise, working on a construction site without hearing protection, etc.) noise, called industrial hearing loss.
The main symptoms of noise-induced hearing loss often go away after the exposure to the noise ends. If the noise exposure is repeated, and more cells are destroyed, then you can develop lasting hearing loss. The symptoms aren't usually painful, but they can be hard to identify.
Noise-induced hearing loss can be prevented by using hearing protection. Protection is now widely available online, and in shops, and comes in many varieties. The cost of protective gear largely determines the level of protection it'll give you. Hearing protection helps prevent ear nerve damage by dampening noise levels.
How to prevent hearing loss
The types of hearing protection available on the market include the following:
In most cases, noise-induced hearing loss can be treated with hearing aids. While the hearing impairment itself can't be cured, hearing aids are an effective way to significantly improve your ability to hear the sounds and conversations around you.
As well as wearing hearing aids, avoiding exposure to excessively loud noises can also prevent your hearing loss from getting worse.
