Not to Worry !! Noise-induced hearing loss is common and preventable.
In recent survey of the incidence of hearing loss due to noise, it is found that approx 30 million workers in America are suffered from excessive noise at their jobs. In manufacturing and agriculture, workers at the age of 50 are suffering from hearing loss three times more as compare to others. In other industries this incidence is up to six times. It is really terrifying and made the world a noisier place in which to live. Noise has become so common in our culture. We can’t escape from it. Normally, these sounds at secure levels never harm our hearing. But the sound is loud enough and the duration of tolerating is long enough. After reading this shocking data you all might be curious and worry about your ear and your surrounding environment In this section we will take a glimpse over the prevention should be taken to minimize noise induced hearing loss and make our ear healthy and soundful
Understanding noise induced hearing loss
It is hearing impairment out coming from exposure to loud sound. Many People may have a loss of approach to a narrow range of frequencies, impaired connective awareness of sound, or impairment, accepting sensitivity to sound or ringing in the ears. Hearing can deteriorate gradually from constant and repeated noise exposure, like loud music or background sound, or all of sudden, from a less high-intensity sound such as a gunshot or air horn. In both the types, loud voice over stimulates delicate hearing cells, leading to the long-lasting injury or death of the cells. If it once lost, then the hearing cannot be restored in humans as before.
Causes of noise induced hearing loss
- Intensity of sound: Intensity of sound is measured in decibel(db).The scale range is from 0 db to 180db. On audio gram sound intensity is measured in hearing level. higher intensity of sound can damage ears. Sound intensity above 180 db is considered as dangerous level
- Frequency of sound: Pitch of sound is measured in hertz (Hz).Frequency of sound vibrates per second sound. Higher the pitch of sound will be higher frequency. Generally frequency for noise induced hearing loss is about 2000-4000 Hz. Young children have best hearing and having frequency 20Hz
- Occupational noise: Occupational noise induced hearing loss is one of the major cause of noise induced hearing loss. It is very serious problem because a vast community are working in various industries. In India occupational working hour is about 8 hours and weight age limit is about 90 dB.Studies carried out by the National Institute of Occupational Health, India, stated that the sound pressure levels were very high in various industries.
- Non-occupational noise : These are the regular basic noises which defect hearing. Noises which we hear our surrounding such as music, loud voices, crackers, video, motor boats, plain etc.Listening loud music and attending live concert may also cause noise induced hearing loss.
There is a strong relation between noise and hearing loss. More you will be in noisy environment will cause more harm to your ear. Excessive noise may lead your hearing loss permanently. Today everyone is in race of doing work and earning money but they do not have a time and awareness for their health and their surroundings. Peoples are totally unfamiliar about that their working climate is healthy and secure for their sense organ or not. According to research work become a cause of hearing loss.
Who is affected?
People of all the ages including young, old, children can be affected by NIHL. In a study it is found that about 15% of Americans between the age of 20 to 69 suffer from NIHL. On the daily basis more than 30 million American are at dangerous zone of hearing loss.12.5% percent children of age 6 to 9 is suffering from permanent hearing loss.But there is a hope that about 99% noise induced hearing loss is preventable.Any noise above 85 decibel is dangerous for hearing. Doing job in noisy area also promote hearing loss.
Prevention of noise-induced hearing loss:
It is usually permanent. We can prevent NIHL through the use of simple, widely available, and economic tools. Shooting, hunting, playing in a band, using mp3 in high volume, concert sound and more activities that affect your NIHL. So protect ear in a loud environment. Avoid noise and practice good hearing life.
- Avoid loud noise environment that damage ear.
- Take a proper hearing test.
- Use earplugs
- Be alert to hazardous noises in the environment.
- Protect your child from noise
- Follow 60/60 rule. No more than 60 minutes hearing up to 60% volume.
- Louder sound you will hear shorter in time.
- Use ear protection while entering in noise area.
Hearing loss prevention devices
- Disposal plugs
This device is used inside ear canal to block out the noise..They are very expandable and easily adjust to anyone ear.
Keep the plug clean as clean possible.
- Sound Isolating Earphone
It is very helpful in cancellation of steady state noise such as in plain.It provide isolation from outer environment.this is also known as universal earphone.
- Reusable plugs
It is very flexible and widely used earplug.This is made of silicon. Proper cleanliness should be done.
It should be replaced when it become hard.
- Earmuff stereo headphones
It provide best seal for noise. It is made of soft plastic filled with liquid or foam.Replace it when it get damage.
- Special purpose headsets
It is beneficial both for hearing protection and communication.This is special purpose and helpful in understanding speech of co-worker.
I hope this article will help you a lot!!! Be healthy and happy….
ITS TRUE!