Hearing Aids Hearing Health Hearing Loss
Breaking Down Barriers: Dispelling Common Excuses for Avoiding Hearing Aids
Hearing loss is a prevalent but often overlooked condition that affects
By: nick | July 27, 2023
We are constantly navigating different types of sound and varying noise levels. From commuting, to work environments, listening to music, and using household appliances; noise is part of everyday life. In fact, over 30 million people are regularly exposed to loud noise according to the Hearing Health Foundation. One time or consistent absorption of loud noise is a common cause of hearing loss, a medical condition that impacts nearly 1 in 8 people. Noise induced hearing loss is completely preventable and practicing safety measures can significantly protect your hearing health.
Loud noise can irreparably damage hearing health. It can impair the sensory cells in the inner ear, these cells play a major role in how sound is processed. There are an estimated 16,000 sensory cells in each cochlea and these cells are responsible for receiving incoming soundwaves and converting them into electrical signals. These signals get sent to the brain, via the auditory nerve, and the brain continues processing them. This includes assigning meaning to these signals which is how we are able to understand what we hear.
Loud noise can desensitize sensory cells which weakens them and reduces their capacity to translate soundwaves for the brain. This results in the brain receiving less auditory information which forces the brain (and people experiencing hearing loss) to work harder to detect and process sound. This results in noise induced hearing loss which is permanent because damage to the sensory cells cannot be repaired. Unlike other types of cells we have, sensory cells in the inner ear do not regenerate and there are no interventions that can repair them. Though noise induced hearing loss is permanent, that does not mean it cannot be prevented!
There are many types of sounds and ways we are exposed to excessive noise. Sound is measured in decibels (dB) and according to experts, sound above 85dB is dangerous for hearing health. For perspective, this is equivalent to busy city traffic, a hair dryer, or a busy restaurant during peak hours. This highlights that you can easily be in an environment with noise levels that are potentially hazardous.
In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the following types of sound can damage hearing health within these timeframes of exposure:
This highlights that there are everyday noises and activities that can impact hearing health, emphasizing the importance of practicing safety measures.
Noise induced hearing loss is completely preventable. Practicing the following strategies can help you protect your hearing health:
Practicing these tips can protect your hearing and prevent noise induced hearing loss. Contact us today to learn more about the resources available to support your hearing health.
Hearing Aids Hearing Health Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is a prevalent but often overlooked condition that affects
By: nick | December 28, 2023
As hearing professionals, we understand that the health of our ears is
By: nick | December 15, 2023
As hearing professionals, our commitment extends beyond addressing
By: nick | December 5, 2023