Have you ever gone to a concert and when you walked out after it was over your ears were ringing? If this has ever happened to you than you have exposed yourself to a noise induced hearing loss. Some of that damage is temporary, but a small portion is permanent, and these permanent losses accumulate over time.
When we are exposed to a harmful noise—sounds that are too loud or loud sounds that last a long time—sensitive structures in our inner ear can be damaged, causing noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). These sensitive structures, called hair cells, are small sensory cells that convert sound energy into electrical signals that travel to the brain. Once damaged, our hair cells cannot grow back.
Effects of Powered Instrumentation
From motorcycle riding to mowing the lawn, noise is all around us. Men on average spend more time doing these types of activities than women therefore, they are greatly increasing their risk for noise induced hearing loss.
A recent study of more than 5,000 people in the United States aged 20 - 69 found that men were three times as likely to have noise-related hearing loss than women. Men are often the ones with outdoor activities that involve using "powered instrumentation" such as a leaf blowers, chainsaws, firearms and motorcycles. |
"Occupational and recreational noise exposure, as well as service in the armed forces, are likely explanations for why men are at greater risk," said Dr. Hamid Djalilian of the University of California Irvine.
When studying noise induced hearing loss Dr. Djalilian noted that hearing loss depends on both the duration and loudness of the sounds - you would need to be exposed to a lawnmower for several hours in a row before it did significant damage, whereas "a very loud sound such as a gunshot can cause noise-induced hearing loss even for a fraction of a second."
Consequences of Untreated Hearing Loss
You might be a little surprised to know that the average person with hearing loss waits over five years to see a health care professional for an evaluation. Although hearing loss is not a life threatening condition, it is a condition that does lower the overall quality of life for those suffering from it.
Statistics show that people with untreated hearing loss suffer more from depression and social isolation compared to those of similar age who wear hearing aids. People with hearing loss are more likely to be depressed and suffer from the many quality of life effects of it, than patients of similar hearing loss that have chosen to wear hearing instruments.
Here's the good news - today's technology has made hearing aids small, sleek and highly sophisticated. They are virtually impossible to see and offer a very natural sounding amplification.
Don't let the sounds of your youth hinder the sounds of your future. If you think you may have suffered a noise induced hearing loss call an EarCare professional today. Don't miss another word! |
