The Science Behind Noise-Induced Hearing Loss and Protection

Hearing loss is something millions of individuals throughout the world experience, and one of the most common causes of hearing loss is extended exposure to loud noises. However, there are other factors involved in noise-induced hearing loss. By understanding what causes noise-induced hearing loss, you can find ways to protect your hearing.

How Noise Exposure Affects Your Hearing

Your ears are sensitive especially to loud noises. The structure of your inner ear is made up of hair cells that allow your brain to detect and process sounds, which is how you hear. Noise exposure can cause temporary hearing loss. You might have noticed this after a concert, as you may experience ringing in your ears or muffled sounds. In this case, your hair cells have bent, but they can recover and straighten, allowing them to work properly after a few hours or days.

These hair cells also can be damaged by excessive sounds. Often, this damage accrues over time and constant exposure to loud sounds, but a one-time exposure to an extremely loud sound can also cause this damage. Your hair cells don’t heal over time, nor are they replaced. This is why the hearing loss is permanent. Between a third and a half of these hair cells can be affected before your hearing declines.

Noise exposure can also damage the nerves that carry information from your ears to your brain. This means that, while you might not notice your hearing is declining, it’s more difficult for you to process and understand certain sounds, like speech. There is also a genetic component to hearing loss, as some families are more likely to lose their hearing sooner in life than others. But you can still manage your hearing loss by protecting your ears from too much exposure.

Visiting an Audiologist

If you work in an environment where you are exposed to loud noises, or you spend a lot of time in loud areas, the chances are that you will likely experience a degree of hearing loss. You may notice that it’s harder to keep up with conversations, or others might point out that your hearing has deteriorated.

In these cases, it’s a good idea to visit an audiologist. An audiologist can determine the extent of your hearing loss, as well as offer advice to help you protect your hearing in the future. For example, your audiologist may recommend hearing aids and protection. This way, you can protect your hearing now and be able to prevent further hearing loss.

How Hearing Protection Can Help

If you protect your ears from excessive noise, you can preserve your hearing. Hearing protection works by reducing the intensity of the sounds that reach your eardrum, which means your hair cells won’t get overworked as quickly.

Typically, you will find two kinds of hearing protection:

• Earplugs are discreet and work by creating a snug seal in your ear canal, effectively blocking your ear.
• Earmuffs fit over the entire ear to form a seal and are secured over your head.