What is noise?

Noise is any unwanted sound. It constantly surrounds us every day-at work,home,or play. Every day we experience sound in our environment such as the TV,radio,washing machine, and automobiles. But when an individual is exposed to harmful sounds (sounds that are too loud or too sounds over a long time) sensitive structures of the inner ear can be damaged, causing noiseinduced hearing loss (NIHL).

What is NIHL ?
*It is a sensorineural hearing loss deficit that begins at the higher frequencies (3000 to 6000 Hz) and develop gradually as a result of chronic exposure to excessive sound levels. *It is the second most common sensorineural hearing loss, after presbycusis. *Acoustic trauma results from an acute exposure to short-term impulsive noise.

What types of noise affect hearing?

Sudden and prolonged LOUD noises can permanently damage hearing and produce a significant hearing loss. Factory machinery, chainsaws, woodworking equipment, firearms, and excessively loud music are just a few examples of noises which are harmful to your hearing. Loud impulse noise such as an explosion, or loud continuous noise such as that generated in a woodworking shop.

Common Sources of Noise:

Gunshot peak level) Jet takeoff Rock concert, chain saw Stereo headphones Motorcycle Conversation Quiet room Whisper 140 to 170 140 110 to 120 110 to 120 90 60 50 30 to 40

Common sound may be louder than you think

How does noise affect hearing?

The answer is not completely known. However we do know that the damage is caused to the sensitive cells in the cochlea. High noise levels damage the hair cells of the organ of corti,affecting first those in the basal part of the cochlea concerned with reception of the higher frequencies sounds and progressing through to those receiving lower frequencies. Complications:permanenthearing loss, high frequency hearing loss and deafness.

What causes NIHL ?

With excessive exposure to 85-90 dB or louder noise levels, the nerves and delicate membranes in the inner ear become damaged causing a hearing loss in the higher tones. Risk factor list: noisy occupation, miners construction workers, loud music,earthworkersetc.

Signs of NIHL:
Feeling of fullness of the ear. Ringing in the ears (tinnitus). Having trouble understanding what people say. Needing to turn the TV sound higher. Having to ask people to repeat what they just said to you. Not being able to hear high-pitched sounds, like a baby crying or a telephone ringing in another room.

Prevention:
Avoid noise exposure. When you must be around noise, either at work or at play, use something to protect your hearing. Hearing protection devices, like earplugs, earmuffs and canal caps. If you are not sure which kind is best for you, or how to use it correctly, ask your doctor. Often the best kind is one that you feel comfortable in so you can wear it when you need it.

 Teach your family how important it is to stay away from too much noise and to use hearing protection. If you think you have a hearing loss, it is important to have your hearing tested. Noise reduction measures-changes to the workplace if possible. Reduce machinery noise.

Treatment:
Avoid further noise exposure . Hearing aids.

If any one have damaged hearing from noise exposure, you should go to audiologist for a complete hearing evaluation and can help you select hearing protection.