Does the sound of a fork scraping across a plate drive you insane? Do you raise your voice to get heard clearly on the phone? Has this been happening for a long time?
If you answered yes to some of these questions, you might have noise-induced hearing loss.
There are lots of people across the world that suffer from this condition. Noise-induced hearing loss is the most common among them.
Read on to find out the impacts of NIHL on a person’s quality of life.
What Are the Effects of NIHL?
The effects of NIHL range from mild hearing loss to complete deafness. The most common symptom is a ringing in the ears (tinnitus) which can be temporary or permanent.
Other symptoms may include muffled hearing, difficulty understanding speech, and balance issues. Long-term exposure to loud noises can cause permanent damage to the delicate structures of the ear.
People with NIHL can experience difficulties in understanding speech. They will also have difficulty with social interactions and communication.
Other effects can also affect one’s quality of life. These include fatigue, irritability, and insomnia. The latter is due to the inability to effectively block out loud noises.
Who Is Affected by NIHL?
Noise-induced hearing loss affects people of all ages. Kids and teens can be especially vulnerable to the effects of loud noises when exposed to them. These can damage their hearing before they even reach adulthood.
Workers in noisy industrial or manufacturing settings are also very susceptible. Musicians and other artists who spend time in loud venues also put their hearing at risk.
This can be a particular concern for older adults. This is because their hearing is already affected by the natural aging process. Nonetheless, anyone can suffer from NIHL if exposed to loud noises for extended periods.
How Can Noise Damage Our Hearing?
Prolonged exposure to loud sounds can cause the tiny sensitive structures of the inner ear to become damaged. This leads to a slight loss of hearing or even complete deafness.
As the level of sound gets louder, the chance of damage also increases. Damage to the ears can also happen when exposed to a sudden loud noise.
There are also instances that hearing loss was caused by earplugs. If this happens to you, be sure to consult an earplug injury lawyer.
It is important to understand how sound levels can damage our hearing. Everyone should know their hearing limitation and wear ear protection when possible.
Can You Prevent NIHL?
There are several ways to reduce the risk of developing NIHL. When in a noisy environment, it is important to wear hearing protective devices. This will reduce the number of sound waves entering the ear.
Also, set boundaries with family, friends, and co-workers to lower the volume of office and home electronics. This is essential to protecting one’s hearing.
Finally, avoid loud concerts, clubs, and sporting events. These can be beneficial in mitigating sound-related hearing damage. These methods will help you maintain good hearing health.
Dealing With Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Noise-induced hearing loss is something that can happen to anyone. People exposed to loud noises often are the most affected ones.
It is a serious medical issue and can lead to hearing impairment. If you believe your hearing has been affected, seek the advice of a medical professional for the best treatment plan.
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