HEARING LOSS
Definition
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss is caused by damage to the inner ear due to intense or prolonged exposure to loud noises. Recall that the ear has three parts: the outer, the middle, and the inner inner (see "Ear Function"). The outer ear captures the sound wave, a mechanical form of energy, and magnifies it slightly. The middle ear magnifies the sound more or tries to damp the sound if it is too loud. The inner ear interprets the information from the middle ear, still in the form of mechanical energy, and then transforms it into electrical energy.
Loud noises damage the part of the inner ear that transforms the mechanical energy to electrical energy. One can damage hearing in an instant from a gunshot or with a long, steady noise from a motorcycle or factory machine, for example.
Researchers estimate that 12.5% of children may have noise-induced hearing loss.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention researcher Amanda Niskar says that as little as four hours on a motorcycle, or two hours of listening to loud stereo headphones, or seven minutes at a loud rock concert may cause damage. (Better Homes and Gardens, November 2001)
Treatment
There is no treatment for noise-induced hearing loss. Once the inner ear is damaged it cannot be healed. Therefore, everyone regardless of age must take prevention of hearing loss seriously. Ear plugs and ear muffs should always be worn when exposed to loud noises.
References
- Australian Hearing Services, Hear & Now, Issue 2, February 1998.
- Australian Hearing, Frequency and Intensity of Familiar Sounds, NF, 1982.
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD).
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Wise Ears Campaign.
