Noise Induced Hearing Loss and Its Prevention

In our daily life, we are often exposed to loud noises. Televisions, radios, machines and noises from the daily commute are all normal things that produce the sounds we are accustomed to hearing day in and day out. However, as time goes by, exposure to these so-called "natural sounds" are going to have an adverse affect on our hearing. This is called noise induced hearing loss, the slow degeneration of our ability to hear because of being exposed to noisy environments.

In the United States, there are 30 million people at risk of noise induced hearing loss because of their workplace, or frequenting recreational establishments that are noisy. In the United States, there are 10 million people who have permanently damaged hearing.

But, like most disorders and diseases, noise induced hearing loss is avoidable. There are three factors to consider when trying to surmise the damage a certain sound can do to one's hearing. First is how loud the noise actually is. The higher the volume a particular sound makes, the higher the potential damage it has on hearing. Next is how long the sound lasted. Even a moderately loud sound, if sustained long enough, would negatively affect someone’s hearing. The final factor is how close the listener is to the sound. Proximity to loud sounds and objects, like blaring speakers or loud machinery, affects the hearing, even if the sound was not sustained. In some cases, this might even cause instantaneous and permanent hearing loss.

Keeping these things in mind would go a long way for preventing noise induced hearing loss. Be aware of your surroundings. Try to avoid unnecessary noises. If you are particularly fond of wearing earphones and listening to music, be sure to turn down the volume. One way to measure if what you're listening to is too loud is if you’re using ear phones and the person next to you can hear the music. It is also advisable, if one can't avoid noisy environments, to use ear plugs.

Scientifically, the loudness of a sound can be measured in decibels. Noise induced hearing loss can be attained by either a one-time exposure to as really loud noise or a gradually damaging consistent exposure to loudness. Regular exposure to noise over 110 decibels for one minute will have risks of permanent hearing loss. It is recommended that people limit their exposure to noise of 100 decibels to less than 15 minutes.

The world is full of sounds, both soft and loud. Taking care of your hearing will allow you to continue enjoying them.