There are many different causes of NIHL, such as sudden and intense loud sounds, as well as prolonged exposure to exceptionally loud noise for a prolonged period of time.
There are many different types of hearing loss that stem from multiple causes with the potential to have various short-term and long-term effects on our ability to hear. While some may be caused by infection, aging, or injury to the ear, others are caused by loud and intense noises that could result in permanent hearing loss over time. This type of hearing loss is often referred to as noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), in which exceptionally loud sounds, whether lasting for brief or prolonged periods of time, cause significant damage to our hearing abilities. Some effects of NIHL caused by sudden loud noises may be recognized immediately, while other cases of NIHL may only be recognized over time. If you believe that you may be suffering from NIHL, consider its many potential causes and effects on your hearing for the future.
Causes and Effects of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
There are many different causes of NIHL, such as sudden and intense loud sounds, as well as prolonged exposure to exceptionally loud noise for a prolonged period of time. An example of a sudden or intense sound may be sounds such as gunfire or explosions, while loud noise exposure over time may simply be a product of a working environment, such as a noisy construction site or factory.
Protect Yourself from the Intensity of Sound
The intensity of a sound is typically calculated by its decibels, with sounds over 85 decibels known to cause significant damage to hearing. Although you may not always be able to fully protect your ears, protective measures such as earplugs and a safe distance from potentially loud noises could be just enough to prevent NIHL. If exposure to particularly intense sounds has already affected your hearing, it is especially important to discuss hearing solutions, such as a hearing aid, as well as protective measures with your audiologist to protect and ensure the quality of your hearing in the future.
Trust the Experts at Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions
Need help with your hearing? Clarity Hearing can help. Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions is an independently-owned and operated clinic that focuses on quality of care and personalized friendly service to the surrounding areas of Ellicott City, Catonsville, Columbia. Our Doctors of Audiology are highly trained with advanced degrees and take the time to provide the personalized care and attention that you need and deserve. We provide advanced hearing aid options that personally calibrated with cutting-edge digital technology to fit your hearing loss, your unique ear anatomy, and your individual listening needs.
Come in for a walk-in appointment on Tuesdays & Fridays from 10:00am to 11:30am, or contact us to schedule an appointment by calling 410-698-6594 or visiting our contact page. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, and LinkedIn for more blog posts, news, and updates!