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Loud speakers can cause noise-induced hearing loss that is permanent.

It’s very common for people to have loss of hearing brought on by repeated exposure to loud noise. Your hearing can be permanently impaired if you spend a lot of time exposed to noise that is over 85 dB.

What is Noise-Related Hearing Loss?

There are tiny hair cells in your inner ear which can be irreversibly harmed by loud noise. This is known as sensorineural hearing loss.

Noise-induced hearing loss can be caused by long-term exposure to very high levels of noise, which leads to a gradual decline of your hearing. It can also be caused by a single event of a loud burst of sound that can immediately result in loss of hearing.

More than 17 percent of individuals between 20 to 69 have hearing loss that is caused by their recreational or work activities. Here are some examples of noises that can lead to hearing loss:

  • Emergency Vehicles
  • Nearby fireworks
  • Motorcycles
  • Chainsaws
  • Jackhammers
  • Loud headphoness
  • Jet engines
  • Busy Traffic

Is it Reversible?

Even though scientists are making advancements, currently, there is no cure for noise induced hearing loss. Some of the damage inside your ear may be due to swelling so you need to see a doctor if you have been subjected to sudden loud noise. If you could reduce the inflammation you might be capable of reducing some long term damage. The hair cells inside of your inner ear are in control of sending sound waves to your brain. If noise harms or destroys them, they won’t regenerate. Meaning that your hearing ability will be permanently impacted. Safeguarding your ears, then, should be top priority, and seeing a specialist if you are presently having hearing problems.

Research to Tackle The Issue

This condition is currently incurable. But repairing noise-induced hearing loss is top priority for researchers. There are clinical trials, for example, that are attempting to restore these hairs with an experimental drug. Age-induced hearing loss and loud noise can damage these hairs, but regrowth would help repair hearing if researchers are able to get the drug to work.

What Hearing Remains Needs to be Safeguarded

Noise related hearing loss can’t be healed but if you take specific steps to protect your ears, the hearing you have left can be protected into the future. You can:

  • Minimize your exposure to exceedingly noisy activities at home
  • Manage any hearing loss you have with hearing aids
  • If you work in an industry that has consistently loud noise, use the correct hearing protection
  • If there are places that regularly have loud noise – stay away from them
  • Get tested routinely

Lowering the volume on your devices, using ear protection, and avoiding overly loud noise is the best way to protect your hearing. Make an appointment for a hearing exam if you have been exposed to loud noise.

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The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.