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While age plays a factor in hearing loss, there is increasing concern about the impact of noise on hearing loss. If you think you may have hearing loss due to noise exposure, get a hearing evaluation at New Leaf Hearing Clinic. Noise exposure hearing loss can occur with one loud sound, but also through the prolonged exposure to noise levels that are too high. Industries, as well as the Armed Services, are paying closer attention to noise exposure.
Service members and noise
Hearing loss is the number one disability among veterans and it remains a top focus of the Department of Defense. Noise exposure can be a 24-hour issue for service members stationed on flight carriers and bases.
Noise measurements in the sleeping areas of aircraft carriers have been found to exceed safe levels so even while off duty, personnel are exposed to noise. Research is being requested for what some call “effective quiet” periods where service personnel could recover from auditory stress and lesson the chance of permanent hearing loss.
A Navy study examines the effects of steady noise followed by an auditory recovery period. Service personnel averaged eight hours straight of what could be considered unsafe (over 85 decibels) noise levels followed by some auditory down time. After four weeks of exposure, hearing loss was recovered.
Noise and chemicals studied
A separate study by the Defense Health Agency examined steady and impulse noise exposure, with a daily recovery period, but also added the factor of inhaled chemical exposure. Certain chemicals such as volatile organic compounds are present in jet fuel. The regular inhalation of such compounds may make noise induced hearing loss worse.
What noise does to the ear
Noise induced hearing damage can occur in two ways. High level short duration bursts of more than 140 decibels can stretch the inner ear tissues. Although these tissues are elastic, this blast can rip them part. This damage, sometimes called acoustic trauma, occurs rapidly and results in immediate, permanent damage.
Noise in the environment capable of producing this damage would be an explosion, a firecracker going off near your head or a shotgun or high-powered rifle shot near your ear. Exposure to noise between 90 and 140 decibels damages the cochlea and the damage occurs relative to the level of noise and the duration. The damage occurs slowly over a period of years.
The first stage of damage is when the sensory cells within the cochlea are slowly killed off. The cells are replaced by scar tissue. Early hearing issues involve high frequency sounds – like the note “high C” on a piano – and are not immediately noticed. Speech comprehension is not likely affected in the initial stages of hearing loss, so it may not be noticed.
The early stages of hearing loss CAN be determined with a hearing evaluation which brings us back to emphasizing the importance of yearly hearing evaluations at New Leaf Hearing Clinic. With prolonged exposure to noise, the hearing loss spreads to lower pitches and then an individual begins to have issues with understanding conversational tones.
The importance of ear protection
Ear plugs are handy little items that are portable enough to stuff in your pocket, purse or backpack.
Use them and use them correctly. Foam plugs should be rolled and squished and then inserted into the ear canal where they resume their shape and conform to the area. If you can’t seem to get them inserted correctly, hold onto the ear lobe and pull down gently and the plugs should pop in. Replace them when they start losing their shape. Noise cancelling headphones are also an option. They don’t make your world silent, just reduce the noise enough to make it less dangerous while still allowing you to hear.
At New Leaf we offer a variety of ear protection options in several styles. We have custom protection such as ear plugs molded to conform to your ear. There is also a style that has instantaneous digital response to block harmful noise. Ear protection is also available for boat crews that may experience water exposure. It is important to get regular hearing evaluations at New Leaf Hearing Clinic, so we can establish a baseline and be aware immediately if you may start experiencing noise induced hearing loss.