This hearing loss is associated with the long-term exposure to loud sound. Individuals exposed to severe noise pollution are one of the common causes of hearing problems. According to the national institute of health, 15% of the Americans aged 20-69 suffer from hearing loss as the result of loud sound which may be related to occupation or leisure activities. Some research suggests that the portable radios and earphones are responsible for this hearing loss. The intensity of sound is measured in decibels and any exposure over the 85 decibels is considered to be dangerous resulting in gradual loss of hearing. Some of the causes of excessive noise pollution include the use of machinery, lawn movers, loud music, etc.
Some of the signs of hearing loss may include the ringing sound in the ear (tinnitus), trouble hearing other people and mumbling sound particularly in crowded areas. If suspected of high-frequency hearing loss, a hearing test might be necessary to identify it.
As there is no treatment for the noise-induced hearing loss, the best option is in the prevention of exposure to loud noise. The individuals are advised to wear protectors such as earmuffs and earplugs when working in an intensive sound environment. The earmuffs cover the entire part of the outer ear, thus sealing the ear canal and are better for high-frequency noise. The earplugs fit into the outer ear and can be effective with the airtight seal of the ear canal and are suitable for low-frequency sound. However, they both are very effective in reducing the noise from 15 – 30 dB.
Bilateral hearing loss
This is the result of a hearing loss that occurs in both the ears. There may be several factors that affect the outer, middle or the inner ear. The bilateral hearing loss can either be a sensorineural or a conductive type. Sensorineural is the result of damage to the inner ear or the hearing nerve and conductive hearing loss is the development of problems that affect the middle ear or the ear drum. Although the hearing loss may develop gradually, sudden onset of loss is also possible. It can either be symmetrical where both the ears are affected about the same time or it can be asymmetrical when one of the ears functions better than the other. Some of the common causes for this hearing loss include age, exposure to loud noise, genetics, medication. Surgical intervention can cure the hearing loss; however, the other form of treatment may include hearing aids either for one or both the ears depending on the severity of hearing loss.