Noise Induced Hearing Loss Prevention

What is Noise Induced Hearing Loss?

  Noise induced hearing loss is just as it sounds; it is when the overexposure to loud noises causes damage to the ear.  This in turn causes the individual to lose their ability to hear.  The hearing loss can come from either a short loud burst of noise, or a softer noise heard over a long period of time.  Both of these cases are equally as damaging to the ear.  The hearing loss is caused due to damage of the hair cells in the inner ear.  These hair cells are used to transmit sound as waves for the brain to interpret as sound.  If these cells are being overused, they can slowly die.  Sometimes they can be repaired over time, but more commonly once the hair cells die they can't be remade.  If these transmitting hair cells are dead, they can't send the signal to the brain, which is how the individual loses hearing.  After the damage is done, there is no way to reverse or cure the hearing loss.  Although it cannot be reversed, there are many ways that noise induced hearing loss can be prevented from happening in the first place.  It's your job to take care of the health of your ears and body.

How can I prevent it?

  The most common way to prevent noise induced hearing loss is to avoid or limit the exposure to the source of the sound.  The best way to keep your ears from being damaged is to not even come in contact with loud noises for more time than necessary.  If you have the urge to cover your ears due to a loud noise, it's likely that damage is being done.  If avoiding the source is not an option, then the next best option is to use ear protection.  Two main sources of ear protection are earmuffs and earplugs.  Earmuffs fit around the ear creating a seal to block out the surrounding noise.  This type of protection has a noise reduction rating of anywhere from 22-32 dB.  This means that the earmuffs will reduce 22-32 dB of noise exposure to the ear.  The earplugs are small, usually foam, pieces that fit into the outer ear canal, which prevents noise from entering the ear.  Earplugs can have a noise reduction rating from 20-30dB. Although both of these ear protection options are beneficial when used separately, the ultimate way to reduce exposure is to have earmuffs and earplugs.  The combination of the two will reduce the sound by an additional 10-15dB.  Overall, it's important for people to be aware of their surroundings and take precautionary measures to prevent damage to their body, such as hearing loss.  It's up to you to stay informed and to keep your body running at it's fullest potential.  

Sources:

  Cooper Safety Supply

     http://www.coopersafety.com/noisereduction.aspx

  National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders 

     http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/pages/noise.aspx

  American Hearing Research Foundation

     http://american-hearing.org/disorders/noise-induced-hearing-loss/