Noise-induced hearing loss is a common yet often overlooked condition affecting millions of people worldwide. According to a recent study, over 10 million adults in the United States alone have experienced some degree of hearing loss due to prolonged exposure to loud noises.
This type of hearing loss can be caused by various sources, including home stereo speakers, power tools, motorized vehicles, live entertainment events, and even earbuds and smartphones.
What is Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?
Noise-induced hearing loss is hearing loss that is caused by prolonged exposure to loud noises. This can include the loud music at a concert to the sound of a chainsaw or lawnmower. Over time, exposure to these loud noises can cause damage to the delicate hair cells in the inner ear, leading to hearing loss.
One of the most common causes of noise-induced hearing loss is the use of earbuds and headphones. Many people use these devices to listen to music, podcasts, or other audio content regularly. In fact, a recent study found that over half of all young adults in the United States periodically listen to music at volumes that can cause hearing loss. Still, they may need to realize that the volume on these devices can be set to levels damaging to the ear.
Home stereo speakers and power tools can also contribute to noise-induced hearing loss. Many enjoy listening to music or watching movies on their home stereo systems. Still, they may need to realize that the volume on these systems can be set to levels damaging to the ear. Similarly, power tools, such as drills, saws, and sanders, can produce loud noises that cause hearing loss over time.
Generally, any public event that accommodates thousands of people should be approached with caution. This includes concerts, sporting events, festivals, airshows, and car races. These events can often reach noise levels of 100 decibels or more, damaging our ears if we’re exposed to them for extended periods. The noise levels at these events can often be loud, damaging the delicate hair cells in the inner ear and leading to hearing loss. Additionally, many people attend these events and may need to be made aware of the potential risks to their hearing, so they may not take steps to protect their ears.
How to Protect Yourself from Damaging Noise
To protect yourself from damaging noise, there are several steps you can take:
Avoid damaging noise: The first step to protecting yourself from it is to avoid it altogether. This can mean preventing loud events or environments, such as concerts or construction sites, or avoiding using noisy equipment, such as power tools or leaf blowers. If you are unsure whether a noise is too loud, a good rule of thumb is to ask yourself whether you need to raise your voice to be heard over the noise. If you do, the noise is likely too loud and could damage your hearing.
Protect yourself if you cannot avoid noise: Sometimes, it may not be possible to avoid loud noises altogether. In these situations, it is essential to protect yourself. This can mean wearing earplugs or earmuffs to reduce the intensity of the noise or taking regular breaks from the noisy environment to give your ears time to recover.
Follow the 60/60 rule when using earbuds or headphones: The use of earbuds or headphones can significantly contribute to hearing loss, mainly if they are used at high volumes for long periods. To protect your hearing, it is essential to follow the “60/60 rule” when using these devices. This means keeping the volume on your music player, phone, or another device at no more than 60% of its maximum level and limiting your use of earbuds or headphones to no more than 60 minutes per day.
Get your hearing checked regularly: If you are routinely exposed to loud noises, it is essential to have your hearing checked periodically. Your doctor can perform a hearing test, or you can visit an audiologist to have your hearing checked. This can help identify any hearing loss or other problems related to noise exposure and allow you to take steps to protect your hearing before it is too late.
