We all live surrounded at all times by sound. We receive exposure to sounds on a daily basis which give us details about our world. The majority of these sounds are not dangerous and will not cause any kind of lasting damage to our ears. However, it is crucial to understand how a noise can affect for hearing so that we may take better preventative measures to be sure that our ears and eardrums do not suffer damage from the sounds that surround us.
Hazardous sound, such as that which is too loud or goes on for a long time, can cause damage to the delicate structures in the inner ear. These small structures switch the energy of the sound into impulses of electricity which are then delivered straight to the brain. If these fine structures become damaged, the electrical impulses go undelivered, and the structures themselves are incapable of regeneration.
Noise induced hearing loss, or NIHL, can be brought about by a single exposure to excessive sound. One good example is an explosion. If you’ve ever experienced ringing in your ears or slight deafness following a loud sound, then you know the type of sounds that can damage your ability to hear.
Sound is measured in decibels. City traffic can average about 85 decibels. NIHL can be brought on by sounds that reach around 120 to 150 decibels and include things like motorcycles and firearms. Excessive exposure to sounds greater than 85 decibels can result in NIHL.
Tinnitus is one result of exposure to very loud noises. This is a kind of ringing or buzzing in the ears that can be sudden and intermittent or continuous and permanent. For most people it is nothing more than a nuisance, but for others it can have a huge impact on their lives, even preventing them from sleeping at night.
The decrease in the ability to hear will be temporary or permanent. It can increase over time depending on the level of noise a person is exposed to. Temporary disability, known as a temporary threshold shift, will go away after a day or two.
A gradual change in an ability to hear may be caused by repeating the exposure to high decibels and will get worse over time. It may become harder to understand a person’s speech, and sound in general may start to become distorted or muffled. Since it often gets worse slowly, many people will not notice the diminished sound perception until it’s too late. If preventative steps are not immediately taken to halt further damage, then sooner or later the person will not be able to hear at all.
NIHL can be prevented. Be aware of the types of noises that can be dangerous, and wear earplugs or ear protection while engaged in loud activities. Watch out whenever you are in a situation where high decibels may occur. Don’t play your iPod too loudly.
NIHL is a cumulative condition. It is almost totally preventable if you take the right precautions and stay smart. Ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, and difficulty hearing a conversation in a crowded restaurant are good indicators that you may have experienced how a noise can affect for hearing. If you suspect that you are developing NIHL, see your doctor and have a ear test performed.
Tinnitus is one of the most common consequences when a person is exposing to loud noises. Millions of people people all around the world are suffering from ringing in ears. Even though there is no known cures for tinnitus, there are some natural ways to prevent the condition.