Hearing loss is a major problem that millions of people will suffer from, particularly as they get older. However, it is not correct to say that this is simply part of the ageing process. In many cases, frequent exposure to excessive noise can cause damage to your hearing.
Whatever the cause of hearing loss, obtaining hearing aids can make a huge difference, enhancing your life as you are once again able to hear clearly, ensuring you are able to enjoy music, watch TV at a reasonable volume and engage in conversations without being unsure what is being said to you.
Nonetheless, the day when you need hearing aids can be postponed if you are able to take steps to protect your hearing, while it can also prevent further deterioration if you stop exposing yourself to sources of excessive noise.
What Kinds Of Loud Noise Can Damage Your Hearing?
The following are all examples of what audiologists call noise-induced hearing loss:
· Listening to loud music through headphones
· Attending noisy concerts
· Sporting events with loud crowd noise
· Working with loud power tools
· Being close to loud explosions, such as fireworks or demolition explosives
· Working around loud machinery
When working with or near equipment that generates a lot of noise, you should be given ear protectors as standard.
In other cases, however, it is up to you to control how much you expose yourself to such noise. In some cases, you may find that this varies. For example, if you regularly go to football matches, a big game against fierce rivals may generate a huge din, especially if your team is winning, but lower-profile games may have a less raucous atmosphere.
Why Is Loud Music Such A Danger To Your Hearing?
Loud music played through headphones can be one of the most persistent issues, as you have control over how long this goes on. A noisy football match will end at the final whistle, but you can carry on playing loud music for hours if you choose to.
Indeed, among the factors that determine whether a loud noise damages your hearing are not just how loud it is, but how close it is and how long you are exposed to it. Music played through headphones is both close to the ear and can be played for an indefinite period.
Explosions are a more varied topic. Public fireworks displays like the sort you may have attended around November 5th should involve you standing back at a safe distance for multiple safety reasons, and as one-off events (although you may go to more than one display over the course of a few days), should not have too much effect.
What Are The Signs Of Hearing Damage?
If you have been exposed to loud noises frequently, it is important to spot possible signs of hearing loss:
· Having to ask people to repeat themselves
· Experiencing tinnitus (with symptoms like ringing, hissing, tapping or buzzing)
· Problems with hearing high-pitched sounds
· Having to play the TV or radio louder than before
If you have any of these problems, you should get a hearing test as soon as possible. The earlier a problem is detected, the sooner you can get a hearing aid if you need it, as well as take steps to reduce or eliminate noise-induced hearing loss.