Noise pollution is a very real problem, says the EPA, yet few people take the risks of hearing loss seriously.
We are still in the Dark Ages when it comes to understanding the risks of noise pollution for hearing loss and also its effects on general health.
Humans did not evolve in a loud, noisy environment.
The nerve cells in our ears are fragile and cannot be regenerated once they’re destroyed by the onslaught of loud sounds.
NIHL: Noise Induced Hearing Loss. What Makes You Think You’re Immune?
“The most common causes of NIHL are sudden, loud bursts of sound (like a gunshot or a car accident) and prolonged exposure to loud noise (like loud music or power tools as well as music),” says Rivka Strom, AuD, CCC-A, Director of Audiology, Advanced Hearing NY Inc.
“NIHL can be caused by a one time exposure to an intense impulse sound or from continuous exposure to loud sounds,” continues Strom.
“Recreational activities and occupational activities can include target shooting, lawn mowing, and listening to very loud music, especially through earbuds.
“In general, listening to any noise at an unsafe level for an extended period of time is damaging.
“The higher the level of noise and the longer individuals are exposed to it, the greater the risk of suffering harm from it.”
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Things to Think About
People will wear sunscreen at outdoor sporting events like football and baseball games, and auto racing, but won’t wear hearing protection.
They don’t want sun-induced skin cancer or wrinkles, but what about noise induced hearing loss from the roaring of fans or the sounds of engines?
All people should wear earplugs or noise cancelling headphones at sporting events for as much time as possible.
If you anticipate doing a lot of talking, then earplugs are the better option, as these can easily be loosened and tightened.
Custom made earplugs are virtually invisible. Unfortunately, not a whole lot of people encourage their teenagers to wear earplugs at live concerts. The adults themselves hardly ever do that.
If teens want to preserver their naturally good hearing, they need to use earplugs at concerts.
ALL loud volume can damage hearing, regardless of the nature of the sound — be it drums at a loud concert, aircraft flying low, a chainsaw, a motorcycle or even children screaming during play.
Dr. Strom is a member of the American Speech Language and Hearing Association and has received several awards including Brooklyn College’s Excellence In Audiology Award.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
