The misconceptions surrounding noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) aren’t just inaccurate but dangerous, as well. You could be exposed to damaging noise levels and not realize it because you believe your ears are safe. And while NIHL is often associated with people who work in loud industries, such as manufacturing, you can develop it for various reasons. Clarifying the myths surrounding this condition can help you take steps to protect your hearing.
What is NIHL?
It’s a type of hearing loss that’s caused by exposure to loud sounds. The hair cells in your inner ear that convert sound waves to electrical signals for your brain can sustain irreparable damage from noises that exceed 85 decibels. That effect is cumulative and can stem from a single event or long-term exposure to less intense sounds.
Any sound that exceeds 85 decibels can cause permanent hearing issues, including:
- Heavy traffic
- Leaf blowers
- Hair dryers
- Concerts
- Sporting events
- Gunshots
- Ambulance sirens
- Garbage disposals
- Fireworks
Myth #1: Only Loud Sounds Cause NIHL
You don’t have to stand next to a speaker at a rock concert to develop NIHL. Even moderately intense sounds from a vacuum cleaner or an air conditioner can affect how your inner ear functions over time. Droning sounds place stress on your ears, even if they stay at the same volume and frequency, leading to auditory fatigue. Your brain may even learn to “tune them out.” That habituation may present as your ears getting used to a sound while they’re actually sustaining further damage.
Myth #2: If My Ears Don’t Hurt, the Noise Isn’t Too Loud
The average pain threshold for a sound is around 120 decibels, which is about as loud as a clap of thunder or a balloon popping. NIHL doesn’t need to cause discomfort to create a permanent problem, so you may be living with untreated hearing loss and not know it. Hair cells don’t have pain receptors and won’t produce physical side effects that indicate they’re wearing down. NIHL is often gradual, and symptoms may take time to become perceptible.
Myth #3: NIHL Only Affects Older People
Hearing loss is more likely to occur in today’s noisy world, which is why it’s important to manage your exposure regardless of your age. Because NIHL is caused by sound exposure, it can impact people of all ages, especially younger individuals who are more likely to use headphones. A lack of hearing protection use is another issue that affects more than adults 65 and older.
Myth #4: NIHL is Temporary
You may experience ringing in your ears or muffled sounds that appear to go away after you’ve been exposed to loud noise. That’s considered a threshold shift, which is a warning sign of permanent hearing damage. Your hair cells can’t regenerate when you develop NIHL, even if your hearing seems to go back to “normal.” Your brain won’t have as much stimulation to keep your auditory cortex active, resulting in an inability to interpret sounds over time.
Myth #5: NIHL Only Affects My Ears
Your vestibular system is a network of structures in your inner ear that’s not only responsible for collecting audio but regulating your spatial awareness, too. NIHL can contribute to balance issues and vertigo, increasing your risk for falls. Your auditory health affects your ability to socialize, so you may begin to isolate yourself if you struggle to hear what others are saying. That impacts your mood and can increase your risk of depression and cognitive decline.
How to Protect Your Ears from NIHL
- Limit your exposure time by taking listening breaks during loud events.
- Follow the 60/60 rule when using headphones: Listen at 60% volume for no more than 60 minutes.
- Wear earplugs, earmuffs or noise-canceling headphones in loud places.
- Allow your ears to recover from noise exposure for 24 to 28 hours.
- Be mindful of using equipment like lawnmowers, power tools and kitchen appliances.
- Use apps or sound meters to monitor the decibel level of your surroundings.
- Seek audiology services as soon as you suspect you have hearing loss.
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Treatment at Hearing Associates
Learning about the myths surrounding noise-induced hearing loss is the first step toward protecting your hearing health. The next is to schedule an appointment at Hearing Associates to determine if you’re experiencing NIHL. We offer comprehensive audiology services, including hearing testing, hearing aid adjustments and aural rehabilitation. Contact one of our locations in northern Iowa and southern Minnesota to schedule your appointment.