What Is Noise Induced Hearing Loss?
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Visit one of Our Convenient Locations 1160 Park Ave W. Suite 4 S. Highland Park IL 60035 (847) 737-4270 Route 83 & Robert Parker Coffin Rd, Suite 103 Long Grove, IL 60047 Phone: (847) 737-7544 Website: www. NSAVL.com Blog: www.NSAVL.com/blog Call Us: (847) 737-4270 What Is Noise Induced Hearing Loss? Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) can happen at any age. Researchers estimate that 10 million Americans suffer from permanent hearing loss caused by noise. Loud sounds can cause long-term damage to the tiny sensory hair cells called cilia (pronounced silly-uh) in the cochlea, which is our hearing organ. In some cases, those exposed to loud noise may only experience a temporary loss of sensitivity to sound. In other instances, either by repeated noise exposure or by a one- time excessively loud exposure to sound, a permanent hearing loss will occur. Permanent hearing loss caused by loud noise exposure not only makes it difficult to hear, but speech can sound unclear as well, making it difficult at times to have a conversation with friends or family. Additionally, loud sounds can cause ringing or buzzing sounds in the ears, which is called tinnitus. Tinnitus can be annoying to those who experience it and unfortunately, it is permanent in most cases of NIHL. So, how much is too much? Once sounds reach 85 decibels (about as loud as a gas- powered lawn mower), exposure to the sound without ear protection can only last for approximately 8 hours without it causing damage to the tiny hair cells in the cochlea. Each time the sound is increased by 3 decibels, the amount of time that someone can safely be exposed to that sound without fear of permanent damage is cut in half. By the time the sound reaches 100 decibels, the safe exposure time limit is about 15 minutes. 100 decibels is about as loud as a chainsaw. Protect your ears. What can you do about it? Start by having your hearing tested.
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Transcript of What Is Noise Induced Hearing Loss?
Visit one of Our Convenient Locations
1160 Park Ave W. Suite 4 S. Highland Park IL 60035 (847) 737-4270
Route 83 & Robert Parker Coffin Rd, Suite 103 Long Grove, IL 60047
Phone: (847) 737-7544
Website: www. NSAVL.com Blog: www.NSAVL.com/blog
Call Us: (847) 737-4270
What Is Noise Induced Hearing Loss?
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) can happen at any age.
Researchers estimate that 10 million Americans suffer from permanent hearing loss caused by noise. Loud sounds can
cause long-term damage to the tiny sensory hair cells called cilia (pronounced silly-uh) in the cochlea, which is our
hearing organ.
In some cases, those exposed to loud noise may only experience a temporary loss of
sensitivity to sound. In other instances, either by repeated noise exposure or by a one-time excessively loud exposure to sound, a permanent hearing loss will occur.
Permanent hearing loss caused by loud noise exposure not only makes it difficult to hear, but speech can sound unclear as well, making it difficult at times to have a
conversation with friends or family.
Additionally, loud sounds can cause ringing or buzzing sounds in the ears, which is called tinnitus. Tinnitus can be annoying to those who experience it and unfortunately, it is
permanent in most cases of NIHL.
So, how much is too much? Once sounds reach 85 decibels (about as loud as a gas-powered lawn mower), exposure to the sound without ear protection can only last for
approximately 8 hours without it causing damage to the tiny hair cells in the cochlea. Each time the sound is increased by 3 decibels, the amount of time that someone can
safely be exposed to that sound without fear of permanent damage is cut in half.
By the time the sound reaches 100 decibels, the safe exposure time limit is about 15
minutes. 100 decibels is about as loud as a chainsaw. Protect your ears. What can you do about it? Start by having your hearing tested.
Visit one of Our Convenient Locations
1160 Park Ave W. Suite 4 S. Highland Park IL 60035 (847) 737-4270
Route 83 & Robert Parker Coffin Rd, Suite 103 Long Grove, IL 60047
Phone: (847) 737-7544
Website: www. NSAVL.com Blog: www.NSAVL.com/blog
Call Us: (847) 737-4270
It’s always a good idea to have a baseline in order to monitor any changes to your hearing that might happen in the future. And, you may be unaware of how much you
may be missing already. Second, make sure to invest in good ear protection. Using ear protection in any instance of loud noise will make sure that you do not experience more
hearing loss due to noise exposure.
Your audiologist can make a suggestion about which of the different types of custom hearing protection products designed for a variety of noisy environments are best for
you. Call us today to schedule your hearing exam. We’ll be glad to test your hearing, make suggestions on how to best protect your ears from further damage and make
suggestions for better hearing, too. We care about your ears and are glad to help in any way we can.
