So how does sound actually damage your hearing? The fact of the matter is noise induced hearing loss can impact the entire auditory system. Noise induced hearing loss: hearing loss caused by exposure to excessively loud sounds. For common noise exposures that are not “blast/explosive” in nature, the hearing loss is primarily caused by damage in the inner ear cells/nerve fibers. Once these cells are broken, fractured, or damaged, they are unable to efficiently send auditory signals to the … [Read more...]
Archives for August 2021
How to know if you have NIHL?
How would you know if you developed noise induced hearing loss (NIHL)?? Clinically we see that patients with NIHL will notice: → Tinnitus: ringing or noises in the ears → Speech is muffled or unclear: inhibiting their ability to follow conversation and hear in challenging listening environments. Sometimes exposure to impulse or continuous loud noise can result in a temporary hearing loss that disappears after a few days. Recent studies suggest, however, that although the loss of … [Read more...]
What can cause damage to the Inner Ear?
Per the CDC, the following information illustrates how long you need to be exposed to common sounds, on average, before they will cause damage to your inner ear. ❗ Gas-powered lawn mowers and leaf blowers are about 80-85 decibels and damage to your hearing can be caused after 2 hours of constant exposure. ❗ Motorcycles are about 95 decibels and damage to your hearing can be caused after about 50 minutes of exposure. ❗ Sporting events such as hockey playoffs or football games can reach … [Read more...]
Noise Induced Hearing Loss
Did you know that noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) can happen at any age??? People of all ages, including children, young adults, and older individuals can develop NIHL. → A study in 2011 found that at least 10 million adults in the U.S. under the age of 70 had hearing tests that suggested hearing loss in one or both ears as a result of loud noise exposure! → They also estimate that 12.5% of children and adolescents aged 6–19 years and 17% of adults aged 20–69 years have suffered … [Read more...]
Meaningful New Research
Every once in a while I will come across new research that makes me *extra* proud of the work we do at Broadwater Hearing Care. According to Harvard Women’s Health Watch, “Dozens of studies have shown that people who have satisfying relationships with family, friends and their community are happier, have fewer health problems, and live longer.” ???? These types of social connections are made possible through hearing. If we struggle to communicate we also withdraw. ???? As humans we are … [Read more...]