Can Noise Related Hearing Loss be Cured?

Noise-induced hearing loss is extremely common. If you are continuously around noise that that is over 85 decibels, your hearing might be irreversibly impaired.

Exactly How Does Noise-Related Hearing Loss Work?

This is a form of sensorineural hearing loss where hair cells inside of your inner ear are irreversibly destroyed by noise.

Noise-induced hearing loss can be brought on by long-term exposure to extremely high levels of noise, which causes a gradual deterioration of your hearing. It can also be caused by a single instance of a loud burst of noise that can immediately cause hearing loss.

Over 17 percent of people between the ages of 20 and 69 have hearing loss that is caused by their recreational or work activities. Here are a few examples of noises that can lead to hearing loss:

• Jet engines
• Chainsaws
• Jackhammers
• Busy Traffic
• Loud volume on earphones
• Nearby fireworks
• Sirens
• Motorcycles

Can it be Reversed?

There is presently no remedy for noise-related hearing loss (although scientists are working on it). Some of the damage inside your ear might be due to swelling so you should consult a doctor if you have been subjected to sudden loud noise. You might be capable of limiting the damage that develops by decreasing inflammation. The hair cells inside of your inner ear are in control of sending waves of sound to your brain. They never regenerate once they are destroyed. So once they’re gone, permanent hearing loss is the consequence. Protecting your ears, then, should be a priority, and consulting a specialist if you’re currently having hearing problems.

Approaching The Problem With Research

This condition is presently incurable. But repairing noise-induced hearing loss is top priority for scientists. There are clinical trials, for example, that are attempting to regrow these hairs with an experimental drug. Age-related hearing loss and loud noise can harm these hairs, but regrowth would help restore hearing if researchers are capable of getting the drug to work.

What Hearing Remains Needs to be Safeguarded

While hearing loss that is caused by noise cannot be repaired (yet), you are able to take certain steps to reduce hearing loss or save the remaining hearing that you have. Some things you can do include:

• Minimize your exposure to extremely noisy activities at home
• Manage any hearing loss you have with hearing aids
• If you work in an occupation that has persistently loud noise, use the appropriate hearing protection
• If there are areas that always have loud noise – avoid them
• Undergo routine hearing tests

Lowering the volume on your devices, wearing ear protection, and avoiding overly loud noise is the best way to safeguard your hearing. Schedule a hearing test if you have been exposed to loud noise.