Exposure to loud noise is one of the most common causes of hearing loss, second only to aging. The effect of noise exposure is highest in males and can vary among persons.

The inner ear contains hair cells that change sound waves into impulses that are sent to the brain. Loud sounds damage these hair cells and cause sensory hearing loss. This occurs usually at the higher pitched sounds. Ringing in the ear often accompanies this type of hearing loss.

Acoustic trauma is damage caused by very loud sounds, such as explosions, gunshot, firecracker, or jet engine. It results in immediate damage and a permanent hearing loss. However, repeated exposure to moderate noise levels may affect hearing sensitivity as well. Power tools, chain saws or loud music have this capability. This noise-induced type of hearing loss may go unnoticed. With time, the damage progresses and begins to affect the region of hearing needed to understand speech. The longer the duration of the sound, the less loud a sound has to be to damage the ear. A temporary reduction in hearing sensitivity occurs after exposure to loud noise. The loss will become permanent after repeated exposure.

Just to complicate matters, noise exposure in combination with vibration or with certain drugs, such as streptomycin, or chemicals, such as organic solvents, can magnify the hearing loss.

Most noise damage is preventable. If you need to raise your voice above the room's noise to be heard by someone an arm's length away, the noise level is probably too loud to be safe for a long period of time and you should leave the area. Likewise, if you can hear the music coming from your child's Walkman headset, it is at a dangerous loudness for your child and the volume should be lowered. If you must be exposed to noise, wear hearing protection devices, such as ear muffs or foam ear plugs. Hunters and target shooters should wear ear protection when firing guns. OSHA requires employers to provide hearing protection for employees in noisy work areas.

Noise-induced hearing loss is cumulative and progressive. However, with proper precautions, the effects can be minimized. It is never too late to protect your hearing. If you suspect a hearing loss, contact your healthcare provider. He or she may perform a hearing exam, or may refer you to an audiologist for a more comprehensive exam.

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