Beverly Hills Hearing Center was founded in 1983 by Bonnie Baehr. Prior to that, Dr. Baehr practiced at the House Ear Clinic in Los Angeles as a staff audiologist for seven years. She was involved with diagnostic testing, hearing aid evaluations, research and rehabilitation. Dr. Baehr did her clinical fellowship training at the Veterans Administration Outpatient Clinic in downtown Los Angeles. She is a member of the American Academy of Audiology, American Speech Language and Hearing Association, California Academy of Audiology and Academy of Doctors of Audiology.
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Hearing allows us to connect with the world around us. Unfortunately, in today’s noisy world, we often expose our ears to potentially damaging levels of sound. Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a growing concern, impacting millions of people around the globe. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the depths of NIHL, exploring its causes, effects, and how to protect your hearing.
Understanding Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Noise-induced hearing loss is a type of sensorineural hearing loss that results from exposure to loud sounds. It can affect people of all ages and is often preventable with the right knowledge and precautions. This type of hearing loss typically occurs gradually over time, making it important to recognize the signs and understand the preventive measures.
How Does Noise Cause Hearing Loss?
Sound waves are essentially vibrations that travel through the air. When these vibrations enter the ear, they pass through the ear canal, causing the eardrum to vibrate. These vibrations are then transferred to three small bones in the middle ear, which transmit them to the cochlea in the inner ear. Within the cochlea, thousands of tiny hair cells convert these vibrations into electrical signals, which are sent to the brain for interpretation.
When exposed to dangerously loud noises, these hair cells can become damaged or even die. This damage is irreversible, leading to hearing loss. Prolonged exposure to loud sounds or sudden exposure to extremely loud noise can cause noise-induced hearing loss.
Common Causes of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Some of the most common causes of NIHL include:
- Occupational Noise: People working in noisy environments, such as construction sites, factories, and entertainment venues, are at a higher risk of NIHL.
- Recreational Activities: Activities like attending concerts, listening to loud music through headphones, and shooting firearms can lead to noise-induced hearing loss.
- Household Noise: Even common household appliances like blenders, lawnmowers, and power tools can generate noise levels that, when sustained, may damage your hearing.
- Personal Music Devices: Listening to music at high volumes through earphones or headphones is a major contributor to noise-induced hearing loss, particularly among young people.
- Sudden, Loud Noises: Unexpected loud sounds like fireworks, explosions, or gunshots can cause immediate damage to hearing.
Recognizing the Signs of NIHL
- The signs of noise-induced hearing loss are often subtle and can go unnoticed for years. Some common indicators of hearing loss include:
- Difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments.
- Turning up the volume on the TV, radio, or personal music devices to higher levels than before.
- Tinnitus or ringing in the ears, which may be temporary or persistent.
- Feeling as if your ears are “stuffed” or having a sensation of fullness in the ear.
- Sounds seem muffled or unclear, particularly when trying to listen to higher-pitched sounds.
Preventing Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
The good news is that noise-induced hearing loss is largely preventable with some straightforward precautions:
- Wear Hearing Protection: In noisy work environments or when participating in loud recreational activities, use hearing protection such as earplugs or earmuffs.
- Turn Down the Volume: When listening to music through headphones or earphones, keep the volume at a moderate level, and take regular breaks. You can use the 60/60 guideline. Listen to audio no louder than 60% of the maximum volume, and take a break every 60 minutes.
- Use Noise-Canceling Headphones: Noise-canceling headphones can help reduce background noise, allowing you to listen to music or audio at lower, safer volumes.
- Maintain a Safe Distance: When exposed to loud sounds, ensure you maintain a safe distance to minimize the intensity of noise.
- Limit Exposure: Reduce your exposure to loud sounds whenever possible. This includes taking breaks from noisy environments and activities.
Treatment for Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
If you suspect you have noise-induced hearing loss, it’s crucial to seek professional help. Although the damage is usually permanent, there are treatments available, including hearing aids, cochlear implants, and assistive listening devices that can improve your quality of life.
Are You Protecting Your Hearing?
Noise-induced hearing loss is an entirely preventable condition. By recognizing the risks and taking precautions, you can safeguard your hearing and continue to enjoy the beautiful sounds that make life richer. If you’ve noticed any signs of hearing loss, visit us for a hearing test to find out more.