Approximately 48 million individuals in the U.S. are affected by hearing loss. There are different types of hearing loss. Some people are born with it and others develop it during the course of their life.
What we’re going to discuss here is noise induced hearing loss and ways that you can prevent it.
4 Common Causes of Noise Induced Hearing Loss
Occupational Noise – This is one of the most common reasons that people have noise induced hearing loss because people are subjected to the harmful noise for hours at a time. This type of hearing loss is often suffered by people who are in the following industries:
- Factory
- Construction
- Military
Sudden Loud Noises – Sudden and unexpected noises close to the ear can damage an ear’s structure. When this type of hearing loss happens, it’s severe, immediate and many times permanent loss. This kind of injury often will require immediate medical attention, and it often happens due to the following reasons:
- Gunshot
- Explosion
- Firecracker
Loud Sounds – These are things like rock concerts. They often cause temporary hearing loss and ringing in the ear. Sounds also may seem like they’re muffled. These types of effects usually won’t last longer than 2-3 hours. But it can sometimes last a few days or even weeks.
Frequent and Repeated Loud Sound Exposure – When you are frequently exposed to moderately loud or loud noise over years, it can lead to permanent loss of your hearing. However, this hearing loss is nearly always preventable. These kinds of sounds include daily activities and recreation such as:
- Music played at high volumes
- Power tool noise such as electric drills and chainsaws
- Noises from things like:
- Lawn mowers
- Motorcycles
- Snowmobiles
- Vacuum cleaners
- Blenders
Ways to Prevent Noise Induced Hearing Loss
Not all noise induced hearing loss is preventable, but most of it is. Below are some ways that you can prevent noise induced hearing loss for you and your loved ones.
- Wear earplugs or ear muffs to help reduce the sound when in a loud environment
- Protect young children from the loud noises
- Make yourself aware of the hazardous sounds and noises in the environment
- Know the noises which are excessively loud and may cause damage
- Have your hearing checked regularly
It’s not possible to avoid every type of noise induced hearing loss, but when you take the proper precautions you can help protect the hearing of you and your family. Keep on top of your hearing with regular hearing screenings, especially if you’re over 40, so that you can enjoy the beautiful sounds of the world around you!
Dr. Joni Ruiz is the owner and Doctor of Audiology at Big Thicket Hearing Aids and Audiology. She earned her doctorate of audiology in 2009 from Lamar University in Beaumont, TX. Selected for a prestigious fourth-year externship at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., Dr. Ruiz has more than ten years’ experience as an Audiologist. She has a heart for patient-centered care. At her hearing care practice, she performs comprehensive diagnostic audiological evaluations, provides aural rehabilitation to her patients and their loved ones, dispenses state of the art hearing aids, and manages the care of said devices for their life. Dr. Ruiz is dedicated to patient education regarding hearing loss, hearing protection, and hearing aid selection.