Most people are aware that loud sounds can cause hearing loss; however, most of us do not realize the extent to which this pertains to everyone regardless of career, age, or lifestyle. Anyone who is around loud sounds for a significant amount of time (shorter time for louder sounds) WILL eventually have hearing loss.
To get technical: there are tiny hair cells in the cochlea, the main organ of hearing, that wave or bend in response to sound. When a loud sound is heard, these hairs are violently shaken and damage can occur. When a ringing sound is heard after being in a loud environment, damage to the hair cells is the reason why. In most instances, the hair cells recover, ringing stops, and normal hearing is regained. However, over time and frequent exposure to loud sound, the hair cells eventually sustain irreversible damage and die. The louder the sound or longer the exposure, the more likely damage (i.e. hearing loss) will happen. It is possible for these hair cells to die with one exposure to an extremely loud sound, such as an explosion. The more hair cells that die, the more hearing loss that results.
Most people are aware that loud music, gunshots, and factory noise can damage hearing. Yet, for some reason, most people think it will not happen to them. There are many professions and hobbies that, if hearing protection is not worn, individuals may be put at risk; yard care, woodworking, using air and electric powered tools, bartending, and many others — people may not be aware that damage could be happening. Damage caused by noise accumulates over time and ears need a break from exposure in order for recovery, if possible, to happen.
Now that we know damage can occur, we need to prevent it from happening. Noise induced hearing loss is the ONLY preventable type of hearing loss. Of course, removing oneself from a loud situation is the easiest way to prevent damage, but this is not always an option. Earplugs are the most common form of hearing protection. The standard foam plugs work very well if properly inserted. This includes rolling them in a small cylindrical shape and sticking them deep in one’s canal. The foam plugs can be uncomfortable for some, and can block out too much sound depending on individual needs.
A simple internet search will reveal that there are many more options for earplugs than the standard foam plugs. For example, custom earplugs can be made for a person’s ears by an audiologist. Hearing protection can incorporate filters to block out some sound while letting other sound through unaltered. Utilizing filters is a way that people can hear some sound without being harmed. Depending on specific needs, there are a variety of filters that can be utilized and switched out, if needed. In addition, custom molds will last longer than the aforementioned foam plugs and are ensured to fit securely. Therefore, custom pieces with filters are often preferred as they allow a specified amount of sound through unaltered, while keeping harmful sounds out.
Some audiologists are more familiar with hearing protection products than others; however, any will be able to aim you in the right direction and give advice. You must see a hearing health care professional to obtain custom made products. Under NO circumstances should someone make an impression of his/her own ear or the ear of a loved one, as this could cause serious damage to the ear.
Seeing an audiologist, gaining information, and obtaining a hearing test are the first steps toward protecting your hearing. There are many options other than the standard foam earplugs that will provide better and safer sound quality. Hearing does not come back, so protect what you have!
It is never too early to start thinking about protecting your hearing, or getting a baseline hearing test. For more information about any of these options, please contact Midwest Hearing Center at 309-691-6616 or 309-284-0164.