Noise Exposure and Hearing Loss

One of the greatest gifts we have in life is our hearing. Yet many times we take this gift for granted, never realizing how easily it can be lost. Most people do not realize that their daily activities, whether occupational or recreational, can be potentially hazardous to their hearing. Exposure to loud noise(s) can damage the hearing mechanisms in our ears. The damage may be temporary or permanent depending on the intensity and duration of the noise exposure. With a short-term exposure to noise such as an occasional rock concert (which is quite loud!), hearing will most likely recover within a day. However, if one attends numerous rock concerts there is a high likelihood that over time some permanent hearing loss will develop. People who work around loud equipment or machinery in factories or who are employed in the construction or airline industry are particularly susceptible to what is referred to as a "noise-induced hearing loss" because daily they are exposed to loud noises for approximately 8 hours. Many military personnel have also exhibited noise-induced hearing loss secondary to exposure to rifle, cannon, or grenade blasts. Numerous recreational activities can also be potentially damaging to hearing. Such activities include listening to loud music at rock concerts and clubs, and listening to stereos or IPODS at excessively loud levels. Other sources of recreational noise are snowmobiles, motorcycles, firearms (i.e. target shooting or hunting), power tools, and lawn care equipment.

The good news is that you can take precautions to protect your hearing. Regardless of whether your noise exposure is on the job, at home, or during recreational pursuits, getting into the habit of using either earplugs or earmuffs can make a big difference! If you work in a noisy environment, hearing protection devices may already be available; If not, inquire about their availability at your place of employment. At home, turn down the television and the radios. (Tip: You know that a MP3 device is too loud if others around you can hear the music!) For musicians, custom made earplugs are available in our offices that protect your ears from potentially damaging sounds yet preserve natural sound quality. These plugs are also ideal for teens that can't kick the rock concert habit! Standard hearing protection plugs are ideal for a variety of noise exposure environments and are available in our office for a nominal fee. Hearing loss occurs gradually and often is first noticed by family and friends. Some telltale signs of hearing loss include having trouble understanding others, ringing in the ears, being told that your TV or stereo is too loud, or having trouble hearing soft or high-pitched sounds. Any of these signs may indicate a hearing loss. Your best bet is to get a hearing test; these test results will tell us if, indeed, there is a hearing loss at this time. Some hearing losses requires medical intervention; other hearing losses warrant hearing aid usage. Once we have a baseline audiogram (hearing test results), we have a basis of comparison when you return for periodic hearing tests.