Posted on November 14, 2023

Noise-induced Hearing Loss

Approximately 40 million American adults may have hearing loss resulting from noise exposure. Noise-induced hearing loss is caused by damage to the hair cells found in the inner ear. Hair cells are small sensory cells that convert the sounds we hear (sound energy) into electrical signals that travel to the brain. Once damaged, our hair cells can not grow back, which results in permanent hearing loss.

Hearing protection decreases the intensity, or loudness, of noise and helps preserve your hearing.

Harmful sounds are those that are too loud and last too long or are very loud and sudden. For example, exposure to a one-time intense “impulse” sound such as an explosion, or continuous exposure to loud sounds over an extended period of time such as at a concert may be harmful. The louder the sound, the shorter the amount of time you can safely be around it.

You may encounter harmful sounds at work, at home, and during recreational activities. If you work in a hazardous noise environment, speak to your supervisor or compliance officer about OSHA recommendations on your amount of noise exposure.

Sound is dangerous if:

• You have to shout over background noise to be heard
• The noise is painful to your ears
• The noise makes your ears ring
• You have decreased or “muffled” hearing for several hours after exposure

Sound loudness is measured in units called decibels (dB). Noise-induced hearing loss can be caused by sudden or prolonged exposure to any sound over 85dB.

Protect your hearing:

• Wear hearing protection when around sounds louder than 85dB. There are different types of hearing protection such as foam earplugs, earmuffs, and custom hearing protection devices.
• Contact your local audiologist for custom hearing protection devices. These include special hearing protection for musicians and hunters.
• Turn down the volume when listening to the radio, television, video game, or anything through earbuds and headphones.
• Walk away from the noise.