Noise Induced Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is a disability usually associated with aging, but the number of baby boomers complaining of hearing trouble is sharply on the rise, and as America ages, experts predict it could become epidemic.

More than 28 million Americans suffer some degree of hearing loss, and noise is the number one cause. Keith Muller, the executive director of the league for the hard of hearing in New York City, talked to us on noise induced hearing loss.

Every day, we're exposed to sound in our environment such as the television, radio, washing machine, cars, buses and trucks. But when someone is exposed to sounds that are too loud or loud sounds over a long time, the inner ear can be damaged causing noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).

1. WHAT CAUSES NOISE-INDUCED HEARING LOSS?
   One time exposure to loud sound and by repeated exposure to sounds at various loudness levels over an extended period of time can cause NIHL. Exposure to harmful sounds causes damage to the sensitive hair cells of the inner ear and to the nerve of hearing. These structures can be injured by noise in two different ways: from an intense brief impulse such as an explosion or from continuous exposure to noise, such as that in a woodworking shop.

   
   

2. HOW DOES HEARING LOSS AFFECT ONE'S QUALITY OF LIFE?
   Hearing loss can isolate a person. It can cause emotional stress. It changes your day to day activities, makes you think twice about going someplace, reduces your ability to enjoy theater, opera, and music. It can also make people drop out of leadership position and affect their work performance.

   
   

3. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE EVERY DAY NOISES WE'RE EXPOSED TO THAT CAN BE POTENTIALLY HARMFUL?
   Ambulance and police sirens, walkmans , jackhammers, subway screetching, and loud PA systems. In the home: television, radio, walkmans, mixers, hairdryers, vacuum cleaners, garbage disposals, lawn mowers, leaf blowers and shop tools. Even some toys! There are some toys that produce more than 100 decibels!

   
   

4. HOW LOUD IS TOO LOUD?
   The loudness of sound is measured in units called decibels. For example, usual conversation is approximately 60 decibels. The humming of a refrigerator is 40 decibels and city traffic noise can be 80 db. Prolonged exposure to noises above 85 decibels can be harmful! Here are some examples:

   
   DANGEROUS NOISES

   
   

   • HAIR DRYER 60-95 db
   • LEAF BLOWER 110 db
   • CAR STEREO 125 db
   • JACKHAMMER 130 db
   • NIGHT CLUB 150 db

     
     

5. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF NIHL?
   The symptoms that occur over a period of continuous exposure increase gradually. Sounds may become distorted or muffled and it may be difficult for the person to understand speech. A friend might say to you, "Didn't you hear that?" Or you may constantly ask someone to repeat something or you may be responding to someone's miscommunication. A friend might tell you that you are playing music or speaking too loudly. Also, if you have ringing in your ears, it might be a warnig sign that something is wrong. Hearing loss is gradual. It's like chronic pain when people just say they get used to it.

   
   

6. IS HEARING LOSS REVERSIBILE?
   No. It's not. Once you have permanent hearing loss it is irreversible. That's why prevention is so important.

   
   

7. HOW CAN WE PREVENT NOISE-INDUCED HEARING LOSS?
   Everyone should understand the hazards of noise and how to practice good health in everyday life. Here are a few things you can do:

   
   

8. WEAR EAR PLUGS
   Earplugs are very useful when you are involved in a loud activity. I carry them in my briefcase. They're small, light and re-usable. You can still hear while the dangerous decibels are reduced. In fact, Rap lyrics come in better with earplugs in because the bass is reduced.

   
   

9. RECOGNIZE DANGEROUS NOISES AROUND YOU
   Be aware of dangerous noises around you so you can protect yourself and your children. Be alert to the hazardous noise in the environment such as construction zones.

   
   LI>SPEAK UP
   There are things you can do. Don't be afraid to ask the manager of a movie theater to turn down the noise. We are often asking smokers not to smoke near us, so ask someone to turn down noise. You can also join a community group to regulate lawnmowers and leaf blowers during the times of day they can be used, etc.

   
   

10. GET YOUR HEARING TESTED
    You should get tested if you suspect you might have hearing loss. It should be done by a licensed audiologist and make sure you go to your physician to make sure you don't have any ear diseases. The sooner one recognizes hearing loss, the earlier they can be treated.

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