What is Noise Induced Hearing Loss?
Noise Induced Hearing Loss or NIHL is the expression used by audiologists and hearing specialists to describe hearing loss caused by loud sounds. The cochlea (hearing organ) is delicate and exposure to loud noise can cause permanent hearing loss and tinnitus. Exposure to loud noise is the second biggest cause of hearing loss.
NIHL can happen immediately but sometimes it can be years after exposure to notice the effects of it. Change in hearing due to loud noises can be temporary or permanent and it can affect one or both ears.
What causes Noise Induced Hearing Loss?
Noise Induced Hearing Loss is caused by being exposed to loud sounds. It can be caused from one single loud sound or over time by repeated exposure to loud sounds. Sound is measured in decibels (dB) which reflects the loudness of sound.
Examples of sounds measures in decibels are:
0dB: The quietest sound a healthy human ear can hear
40dB: A quiet library
60dB: An ordinary spoken conversation
85dB: A food blender
91dB: A pneumatic drill
100dB: A nightclub
110dB: A live gig or concert
130dB: An aeroplane taking off 100m away
130dB is usually the level of noise that causes pain for people. To find out more about NIHL, you can visit RNID here.
We can often be exposed to loud noises without realising the impact it is having on our hearing. Prolonged or repeated exposure to sounds over 85dB can cause hearing loss.
Noisy situations that can cause NIHL include:
– Being in a noisy workplace
– Listening to loud music
– Loud bursts of sound like gunshots or explosions
– Being exposed to noisy machinery such as lawnmowers, power tools, blenders
What signs or symptoms should I look out for?
Hearing loss from noise exposure can happen suddenly or over time, depending on the nature of the noise exposure. As it can be a gradual loss, it may be difficult to notice at first or easy to explain away.
Things to look out for with NIHL include:
– Sounds becoming distorted or muffled
– Struggling to follow a conversation, particularly if there is background noise
– Having to turn the TV up more than others in your household
– Tinnitus (ringing, buzzing or whistling in your ears)
How can I prevent NIHL, is it possible?
Yes, this type of hearing loss is the only hearing loss that is preventable. Be aware of the risks of noise and learn how to practice good hearing health to protect your ears from damage.
Some tips to protect your hearing include:
– Knowing which noises cause damage
– Being alert to hazardous noises in your work and home environment
– Use earplugs or other hearing protection during noisy activities (gigs, using power tools, at work etc.) You can check out one of our previous blogs, “Should I Wear Earplugs?” for more information on hearing protection!
– Have a hearing test every couple of years
If you’re concerned about your hearing, please get in touch to speak to one of our audiologists or book an appointment.
Sources:
