Noise Induced Hearing Loss: Essential Prevention Tips and Rehabilitation Insights
Our world has become so noisy that it is making us deaf! Exposure to loud noise has become so common that many people have stopped seeing it as an issue. It is not just an occasional party or a concert that exposes us to loud sounds, but also the everyday traffic, construction sites, trains, gyms, movie theaters, etc.
Noise induced hearing loss is a preventable disability to a large extent. Yet, it is on the rise. In the past, the problem was limited to industry employees working in noisy places. Or with tools like firearms and drills. Now, it affects all the sectors of our society, because of the changes in our environment and lifestyle.
The comfort level of noise perception varies amongst the general population, but at one level or the other, loud sounds are dangerous to our hearing. Our ears have tiny hair cells, which are sensitive to loud noise and can get damaged by it. While noise above 70 dB can cause ear damage if exposed to for long duration, noise above 130 dB can cause immediate permanent deafness. (1)
Despite the laws limiting industrial and general noise, the incidence of such cases is not reducing. It is estimated to affect nearly 5% of the world’s population. (2) According to WHO, noise exposure should not exceed above 70 dB over 24 hours and over 85 dB over a duration of 1 hour. (3)It is not surprising that such cases are rising, as the general awareness about this topic is insufficient.
While people may know the consequences, they do not realize that the level of noise around them is dangerous.For instance, the noise produced by trains is approximately 100 dB, by sirens is 110 dB, and firecrackers can reach as high as 150 dB.
Prevention is easier said than done. We cannot simply prevent noise exposure completely. Occupational noise exposure can be limited by measures like wearing earplugs and regular noise monitoring of workplace noise. However, community noise exposure causes more harm to the general people. Can we avoid the noise from traffic, trains, construction sites, or firecrackers? I don’t think so. But some things can be done- like reducing the use of personal hearing devices or using them at lower sound levels.
Our personal devices like headphones, television, etc. can reach levels as high as 110 dB, which can cause permanent hearing impairments in just 5 minutes. We can wear ear protection devices when exposure to loud noise is expected. Once this damage has occurred, it is pertinent to get your ears checked. The earlier you approach rehabilitation, the higher the chances of its success.
The assessment includes an ear examination by the otolaryngologist and tests like audiometry. These tests help the diagnosis of the type and severity of noise induced hearing loss. Hearing rehabilitation is governed by various factors like age, hearing levels of both ears, presence of any other disease or disability, and compliance with medical advice.
In timely recognized mild cases, avoiding further noise exposure can suffice. Most other cases will require the use of hearing devices like hearing aids. There was a social stigma attached to the use of hearing aids. The wide variety of the instruments available and increasing awareness have helped to overcome previously set notions against their use. With more innovations and the reduced cost of basic hearing aids, the usage is increasing.
The prognosis of achieving normal hearing levels is worse in more severely affected ears. If one ear has demonstrated acceptable hearing ability, then hearing aids can help to improve hearing. In cases where both ears are severely damaged, hearing rehabilitation can become more complicated. The options are few, and their benefits are still under research. Measures like learning sign languages, lip-reading, writing and using alternative forms of communication help in all the cases.
Prevention is a more cost-effective path. Spreading the word about the dangers of noise pollution, the harmful level of noise, and the ways to prevent it can go a long way. Spreading the word about the dangers of noise pollution, the harmful level of noise, and the ways to prevent it can go a long way. The people having noise-induced deafness need all the support from the authorities and the society, for rehabilitation, support, and normalisation of their lives. Chances are that resources are available, but are not being used adequately due to the lack of knowledge. Social media and direct communication can make a huge difference by spreading awareness.
References :
1. What Noises Cause Hearing Loss? | NCEH | CDC [Internet]. 2022 [cited 2024 May 3]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/hearing_loss/what_noises_cause_hearing_loss.html
2. Natarajan N, Batts S, Stankovic KM. Noise Induced Hearing Loss. J Clin Med. 2023 Mar 17;12(6):2347.
3. Public Health and Scientific Information | NCEH | CDC [Internet]. 2019 [cited 2024 May 3]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/hearing_loss/public_health_scientific_info.html
