Noise-induced Hearing Loss (NIHL): Be Aware. Anticipate. Prepare.

Note: Those under the care of an audiologist or hearing specialist must check with that care provider on the best way(s) to protect their hearing in noisy places.

Although noise-induced hearing loss is preventable, it is all too often under-rated by the public. Sadly, the choices that we make can have serious effects on our quality of life. We actually have the power to protect our ears and hearing from this unnecessary and permanent damage – if we chose to do so. But what should we know and what are some strategies for staying clear of the negative effects that noise tsunamis wreak on our ears.  

Be aware

As winter ends, the popularity of outdoor events and activities will once again skyrocket. Yet, some of these pursuits can be very loud. Riding motorcycles without ear protection. Amplifiers for “al fresco” concerts and community events are cranked up to maximum volumes. Fireworks and firecrackers add to the din.

That said, indoor sound blasts are just as dangerous, if not more. Predictably super loud venues are sports arenas, bars and places with live entertainment, community/church events, listening for hours to music through earbuds while regularly turning up the volume etc. Even church services are often flagged for being super loud.

However, repeated and prolonged exposures to excessively loud sound damage the inner ears and hearing nerves permanently at any age. The extent of the injury depends on noise levels & length of exposure. The louder it is, the less time we can spend without hearing protection. That said, especially sudden loud blasts can also damage the eardrums – which may or may not be repairable.

Some facts about noise-related hearing damage

1. Noise damage is pressure damage. It is the sound pressure that gives sound its volume (loudness).
2. Excess noise causes the same type of hearing loss as aging. And so, noise-induced damage is a set-up for a premature and accelerated aging of the ears.
3. Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent BUT it is preventable.
4. The ears do not “get used” to the noise. Instead, they deafen to it.
5. Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and feelings of ear dullness after loud sound exposures are warning signs.
6. Educate the children on how to protect their ears.

Anticipate!

Don’t get caught by surprise. How loud will the venue or event be? Screaming over noise to be heard is a red flag. Way too loud! Bring hearing protection, just in case. I learned that the hard way. Nowadays, I never leave home without a pair of basic earplugs. They may dull sound, but they are my first line of defense against ear-numbing noise assaults anywhere. Also, smartphone sound meter apps can be hugely helpful. (see more below)

Prepare and learn

1. As they say: “Google it.” Get information on ear protection, such as earplugs and sound-reducing headsets etc.
2. For music concerts, check out musician or high-fidelity earplugs. They do not clip frequencies or dull sounds. One hears everything but at a safe(r) level.
3. Sound levels can be overwhelming and though hearing protection helps a lot there are also limits.
4. Hearing protection must be applied correctly according to manufacturers’ instructions. Sadly, many people never even read those.
5. To measure sound levels in real time, download a smartphone sound meter app. Those for iPhones are in the Apple App Store. Those for Android are on Google Play. Sound levels at or exceeding an average of 85 decibels or dBs call for hearing protection. The decibel (dB) is the unit that measures sound volume or sound pressure. 85 decibels is about as loud as standing at 3 to 5 feet from a gasoline-powered, idling snow blower or lawn mower.

Decisions have consequences

In the end, what do we decide to do about the din? Mother Nature does not care where and when the sound assaults are served up. And we have a lot of control over the noise in our lives. We can certainly act in any way we chose, but writer W. Somerset Maugham says it all when he states: ” You can do anything in this world if you are prepared to take the consequences.” (source: https://www.brainyquote.com/)