Repeated exposure to loud sounds can exert a significant impact upon one’s auditory abilities. At Beltone Dallas Fort Worth Hearing Care center, we invite customers and interested parties to read the following regarding noise-induced hearing loss, which is sometimes known by the acronym NIHL.

What Is Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)

The ears are strong organs that are designed to process numerous sounds over a long period of time. However, chronic exposure to excessively loud noises can take their toll.

The Biology Behind The Condition

The hearing process is completed when the outer ear transmits sounds into and through the inner ear. Excessively loud sounds vibrating through the ear over extended durations damages structures that help the brain execute the process by which noises are manufactured into the sounds people commonly hear.

Causes of NIHL

The precipitating factors of NIHL are typically broken down into two categories, occupational and recreational. Those with occupational NIHL are often exposed to extreme and excessive noise while performing their respective jobs. Individuals stricken with the recreational variety suffer diminished hearing capabilities as the result of specific habits.

Who Is Affected By Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?

Occupational NIHL is often experienced by individuals employed in professions that utilize heavy machinery or are performed in increasingly loud and chaotic environments. Certain professionals that may be at increased risk for developing this type of hearing deficiency include but are certainly not limited to farmers, construction workers, miners, military personnel, aviation industry employees, wall street traders, as well as those who work in closed, cramped offices where telephones frequently ring and noise reverberates around a smaller space.

Those with Recreational NIHL typically obtain the condition from partaking in enjoyable activities that are loud and boisterous. Arguably, the most common culprit is listening to loud music on headphones. Many people enjoy turning up their favorite music. However, such practices can be quite detrimental to one’s hearing capacities. Other potentially risky recreational activities include hunting, racing certain recreational transportation crafts (like snowmobiles, motorcycles and race cars) and attending concerts.

How You Can Avoid NIHL?

Once either form of NIHL begins to take shape, the impact is permanent. Therefore, it is necessary to exercise all necessary precautions prior to noticing any manifestations. Medical professionals and hearing care experts recommend executing actions such as listening to music at lower volumes (especially when using headphones), utilize earplugs or earmuffs (particularly individuals who work in dangerously loud environments), installing noise-mitigating devices on offending machinery and getting one’s hearing tested (as ear damage can occur subtly and symptoms might not occur until significant damage has already occurred.

Contacting Us

For more information about this topic or any other hearing-related issue, please contact us at Beltone Dallas Fort Worth. Call today at (888) 958-8432.