Can You Prevent Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is caused by extended exposure to loud noises or abrupt, exceptionally loud noises. You can protect your hearing in the future by being aware of the causes of noise-induced hearing loss taking preventative steps and realizing the risks.

What is Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?

Noise-induced hearing loss happens when loud sounds damage the tiny hair cells in the inner ear that help convert sound waves into signals for the brain. Once these hair cells are damaged, they don’t heal or regrow, leading to hearing loss. Sounds louder than 85 decibels (dBs) can be harmful, especially if heard often or for long periods.

A typical conversation is roughly 60dBs, although loud noises like a lawnmower or intense city traffic can reach 85dBs or higher. Even at far greater decibel levels, like 120dBs from a concert or 140dBs from a gunshot, harm can happen considerably faster – in only a few minutes. If you have been exposed to loud noises recently, contact an audiologist.

Understanding and Noticing the Risks

Understanding the risks of noise-induced hearing loss is important for protecting your hearing. Regular exposure to loud sounds, like music at concerts, noisy machinery or even loud headphones, can damage your ears over time. The louder the noise and the longer you’re exposed to it, the greater the risk of hearing loss. Paying attention to warning signs, like ringing in the ears or trouble hearing after being in a loud environment, can help you take action. By recognizing these risks early, you can take steps to protect your hearing before damage occurs.

How Technology Can Prevent or Reduce NIHL

Technology available today can also be used to detect and lower noise exposure. Apps for smartphones can detect the amount of noise in your surroundings and provide you with immediate feedback on if you’re in a potentially a noisy environment that can damage your hearing. Some hearing aids have characteristics that filter out dangerous noise frequencies while letting acceptable sound levels through.

Ways To Prevent NIHL

Controlling exposure to loud noises and wearing hearing protection when exposure cannot be avoided are key components to prevent noise-induced hearing loss. You can take the following useful precautions to preserve your hearing.

Wearing Hearing Protection

Wearing earmuffs or earplugs in noisy surroundings is one of the best ways to avoid noise-induced hearing loss. Hearing protection is crucial for individuals in noisy industries and is frequently required by safety laws. For others, like do-it-yourself enthusiasts or concertgoers, earplugs can lower noise levels without compromising sound quality.

Reduce the Volume

Maintaining a safe volume is important for those who use headphones to watch videos or listen to music. A helpful rule to follow is the 60/60 rule: keep the volume at 60% of the maximum level and limit listening to 60 minutes at a time.

If you believe you are experiencing hearing loss, schedule an appointment with an audiologist. They will be able to diagnose and find the best solutions for your hearing loss like hearing aids.