We are always exposed to a variety of noises even before we step out of our homes. But what happens to our hearing health if the noise is constant and loud? The constant exposure to this type of sound could cause noise induced hearing loss (NIHL). The reason for this is because delicate parts in our inner ear or hair cells can be damaged, affecting hearing health. These hair cells are the ones responsible for converting sound energy into electrical signals that travel to the brain, once they are damaged there is no turning back.
NIHL is a very serious matter that can affect anyone. According to the National Institute of Deafness and other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), NIHL could be caused by a constant exposure to loud sounds over an extended period of time, such as a person working in a loud factory or by a one-time impulse sound such as an explosion.
Being exposed to loud noise can cause damage to the auditory nerves and hair cells in our auditory system, which cannot regenerate or heal. Impulse sounds may lead to instant permanent hearing loss, which may be accompanied by ringing ears. An article by NIDCD talks about a study in which it is shown that constant exposure to loud noise can cause formation of molecules inside the ear that damage hair cells and result in NIHL.
Never forget to protect your hearing if you know you're going to be exposed to loud noise by using earplugs. If you start having trouble understanding speech or begin to hear distorted or muffled sounds, you may be suffering from loss of hearing. Do not hesitate to contact your local Audiologist such as Dr. Duran. This expert will correctly diagnose you by performing a hearing test.
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