How Exposure to Loud Noises Causes Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can be acute or chronic. An underlying health problem may cause it. It can be triggered by allergies or by exposure to loud noises. Hearing loss may be caused by blunt force trauma, such as being injured while playing sports or getting involved in an accident.

Certain medications may also cause hearing loss as a side effect. The severity of hearing loss can vary drastically between patients. Some minor inflammation or a minor blockage may cause a slight drop in one’s ability to hear, while profound hearing loss is experienced by those that are deaf.

A person who is hearing impaired may ask you to repeat yourself. They may speak at a high pitch or tone. They may have trouble recognizing social cues and appear distant, confused, or disoriented while commiserating.

Decibel levels are also something to consider. For example, 30 decibels are generated during a normal conversation. You can talk for as long as you like at this decibel level. However, as the decibel level increases, you need to be more aware of your surroundings.

For example, 90-120 decibels can be generated at a championship league event or a heavy metal concert. Any noise above 120 decibels will hurt your ears immediately. The pain will be fast and severe.

What Noise Levels Cause Hearing Loss?

30 decibels is a normal conversation. You should be fine at this level. 80 decibels will be produced by an air conditioner, lawnmower, or heavy traffic. After two hours of exposure, your ears could get hurt.

At the 90 decibel mark, we are talking about the sounds produced by a motorcycle. After 50 minutes, your ears will be harmed. An oncoming subway train or a medium-sized wrestling event may produce 100 decibels of sound, which will injure your ears after 15 minutes.

Your typical smartphone can generate up to 110 decibels of sound, which is turning the volume all the way up. At just five minutes of exposure, your hearing will be negatively impacted.

As mentioned, anything over the 120-decibel mark will cause immediate harm to your ears.

If you are exposed to loud sounds, you may experience headaches, nausea, dizziness, hearing loss, and a sense of disorientation. The hearing loss may disappear after you have distanced yourself from the source of the hearing loss.

In some cases, however, the damage may be permanent. You may need surgery or hearing aids to get back your hearing. If you are exposed to sounds that make you feel unwell or uncomfortable, distance yourself from them as soon as possible.

Read the warning signs included with electronic products or appliances you purchase. Wear earplugs or earmuffs if you know you will be in an area prone to loud noises, such as a construction site.

If you enjoy listening to music via headphones, do not turn the volume past the halfway point.

How Do I Know if I Have Hearing Loss Caused by Loud Noises?

Signs of hearing loss include difficulty hearing conversations. Sounds may sound muffled or distant. You may notice a buzzing or ringing in your ears. Ears may be itchy, inflamed, and red.

Your ears may hurt and may feel blocked. You must prevent hearing loss if possible. Avoid noisy situations. Minimize your exposure to loud devices and environments.

Wear the necessary ear protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs, if you know you will be exposed to loud sounds. Testing is also key. By having your hearing regularly tested by an audiologist, you will be able to detect hearing loss while it is still minor and easily treatable.

If seasonal allergies cause your hearing loss, your doctor will prescribe anti-allergy medication to help relieve your allergy symptoms. Regular check-ups will ensure that your hearing is up to par.

A hearing test helps identify problems while they can still be treated with medication, therapy, or assistive hearing devices.

How Do I Prevent Hearing Loss From Loud Noise?

Walk away from any loud noises. Always keep the volume at half or lower on your phone. Take breaks from the noisy environment whenever possible to enjoy peace and tranquillity.

Use hearing protection, such as earmuffs, earplugs, or custom hearing devices, to protect your ears from harm. If you need to shout, you should exit the area as soon as possible.

There Is Hope

A hearing test will help determine the cause and severity of your hearing loss. Hearing aids, surgery, or medication can treat most hearing loss-related conditions.

Source: What’s a Safe Listening Level? (arlingtonhearingcenterva.com)