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Noise induced hearing loss
What is noise?
| Noise by definition is unwanted sound. It varies in its composition in terms of pitch, loudness and duration. Much of the sound around us that we classify as noise is annoying but not loud enough to cause damage to our hearing. Some sounds, however, are of such high intensity that they are dangerous to the ear and can cause permanent hearing loss. |
Noise induced hearing loss
- often painless
- often unnoticed
- gradual, but real
- permanent
- preventable
Pain is rarely
associated with hearing loss from noise unless it is
from a sudden very loud impact noise. The damage normally
occurs slowly
and you may be unaware of any changes in your hearing for several
years. When you lose your hearing from excessive noise you cannot bring
it back. However you can prevent it from occurring in the first place.
There are some danger signals that may alert you to noise levels that
can be damaging to your ears.Current exposure to noise can have a temporary effect often accompanied with ringing in the ear. This may recover overnight. However if the exposure is prolonged and repeated, damage then occurs to the sensory cells and leaves blank areas which no longer respond to certain pitches of sound. Therefore misunderstandings when listening to speech arise.
Danger signals
Care should be taken to identify situations that may be potentially dangerous to your hearing so that the necessary precautions can be taken BEFORE damaged is caused. Protect your ears in all noisy situations. Consult your ear specialist if you notice a problem with your ears or your hearing. |
Other health consequences of noise exposure
Noise is harmful to more than just the auditory system. It can stress the circulatory, respiratory and digestive systems as well. Continued exposure to noise can cause headache, fatigue and elevated blood pressure. Noise has also been shown to interfere with children's learning and can even affect an unborn child.Hearing loss due to noise exposure is common and is difficult to distinguish from hearing loss due to old age. In some cases the noise damage is due to a single, very loud impact type noise (e.g. explosion). In this case the loss is immediate and usually incurable.
In other cases the hearing loss is due to less intense, but continuous loud sounds (e.g. machinery). The loss accumulates over time, and since there is no pain, may pass unnoticed first.
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