Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Noise-induced hearing loss one of the most common forms of hearing loss, especially in younger individuals and those who work in loud working environments, such as machine shops and factories. Although individual susceptibility of noise-induced hearing loss is different with each person, dangers are still real and therefore relevant for everyone.

In short, noise-induced hearing loss (or NIHL) is the reduction of hearing capacity due to excessive loudness or duration to incessant loud noises. Examples of these kinds of noises include muffled engine revving; rock concerts; exploding bombs, cannons, and hand grenades; stadium screaming; factory drilling; demolition; action movies with augmented volume; and emergency sirens. When anyone is exposed to these noises consistently, hearing loss increases. Yes, some people might develop a higher threshold of sound due to adjustment, but auditory defenses are bound to weaken, and damage can more easily occur. This is why ear protection is a good idea for those who are constantly open to these noises and are therefore more prone to noise-induced hearing loss, and earbuds (ear plugs) are usually advised to minimize hearing damage during the bombardment of such sounds.

Legal briefs on occupational noise-induced hearing loss are tricky and sometimes confusing. This is due to the difference between an acceptable, safe healthy hearing range and the actual liability to which employers are legal subject. Quite often, it seems that employers’ legal sound limit—typically less than 85 decibels for every eight-hour work day—dangerously exceeds that considered necessary for aural health, which is around or under 90 decibels annually. The point here is, however, that exposure week after week for years on end chips away at hearing a bit at a time, so one week is hardly an accurate benchmark to measure noise-induced hearing loss.

Another arena where noise-induced hearing loss is of special significance is that of the farm setting. Because of loud machinery, squealing pigs, and other daily farm noises, hearing loss occurs over time, not only in farmers, but likewise in the animals as well. Noise-induce hearing loss in cows, for example, must be devastating, considering the fact that they don’t move fast and are constantly situated around sources of loud noise. This is why machinery is now made to generate quieter noises and many farmers insist that workers use hearing aids to minimize the development of noise-induced hearing loss. Aid application can make a big difference over time.

Noise-induced hearing loss affects millions of people every year. This type of hearing loss is hardly considered because many people don’t think of it as an actual risk. Any loud noise, especially when one is exposed to it over a long period of time, can definitely threaten hearing capacity.