$Unique_ID{BRK01575}
$Pretitle{Nervous System and Sense Organs}
$Title{Is it True That Loud Noise May Cause Hearing Loss?}
$Subject{ears hearing loss loud noise noises Sense senses listening cochlea
ear tympanic membrane drum ringing sound muffling ear hear hears listen
listens  membranes drums}
$Volume{F-21}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is it True That Loud Noise May Cause Hearing Loss?


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QUESTION:  We are concerned with the problems of hearing loss that seem to
afflict some of us.  In listening to all the "war stories" it would seem that
loud noise may have been a cause for some of the damage.  Can you please tell
me if this is true?

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ANSWER:  Yes, it can.  Excessive noise is the leading preventable cause of
hearing loss in this country.  Many veterans of past wars, particularly those
who were in close contact with heavy artillery, are well aware of this fact.
     Excessive noise can either be continuous, such as jackhammers or
industrial machinery, or acute, such as a gunshot or explosion.  Continuous
loud noise causes degeneration in the tiny hair cells of the cochlea of the
ear.  These cells pick up sound vibrations and cannot be replaced or repaired.
The longer you're exposed to excessive noise, the more hair cells are
destroyed, and the more hearing loss.  This damage usually results in hearing
impairment, and only rarely in profound deafness.
     Acute loud noises can rupture your tympanic membrane (the ear drum) and
other membranes in the inner ear.  A ruptured ear drum can heal and hearing
can be restored, but inner ear damage cannot.
     In the early stages of noise-induced hearing loss, you may experience
ringing in the ears, sound muffling, ear discomfort, or a temporary hearing
impairment for a few hours after experiencing the noise.
     The Department of Labor says that more than 5 million American workers
are subjected to hazardous noise levels.  A good rule of thumb is that if you
must shout to be heard over the background noise at work, your hearing is in
danger.  Use hearing protection such as ear plugs or special ear muffs.  Even
rock musicians are wearing ear protection now during concerts.  I wish more of
our young people would get the hint, and be more careful about the levels of
sound they use when listening to music.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.