noise-induced hearing loss
overview
hearing loss caused by noise can occur in people of any age. whether a noise is harmful depends on how loud it is and how long you're around it.
noise can affect hearing in several ways.
- on-the-job (occupational) noise is one of the most common sources of harmful noise. construction and factory workers, or those in the military, might have this type of hearing loss.
- a sudden, extremely loud sound can cause immediate, severe, and often permanent hearing loss. this type of injury often requires medical attention right away.
- loud sounds (like a rock concert) can cause a temporary ringing and hearing loss.
- repeated, frequent exposure to loud or moderately loud sounds over a long period of time (often years) can cause permanent hearing loss. these sounds include high-volume music and the noise of power tools, lawn mowers, household appliances, and vehicles.
how does noise-induced hearing loss develop?
to be heard, sound energy has to be strong enough to bend tiny hair cells in the cochlea, a part of the inner ear. the force of loud noise can damage these hair cells. a small amount of damage may have no effect on hearing. but with repeated exposure to noise, more of the hair cells are damaged, causing hearing loss.
noise-induced hearing loss usually affects both ears. but one ear may be affected more than the other if you've had repeated, long-term exposure to a loud sound that always comes from the same direction. an example is gunfire that's always near the same ear.
credits
current as of: september 27, 2023
author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
current as of: september 27, 2023
author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
