While most sounds we hear every day are not damaging, some prolonged or
high intensity sounds can injure cell structures of the inner ear, which
causes hearing loss. Tractors, guns, loud music, noisy bars or restaurants,
fireworks, and headphones all can either temporarily or permanently have
a negative effect on our hearing.
According to Greg Flamme, Ph.D., University of Iowa assistant professor of
speech pathology and audiology, by age 40 a large percentage of people
have mild but significant hearing loss. Rural residents, in particular,
are at risk for noised-induced hearing loss. A study in rural Iowa found
that 46 percent of rural men between ages 18 to 27 have mild hearing loss.
Flamme suggests there is an increased risk associated with living in a
rural environment, due to loud tractors and farm equipment, guns used
for hunting, and lawnmowers.
Symptoms of hearing loss vary, but may include ringing in the ear (called
tinnitus) or muffled or distorted sounds.
"Hearing loss is very common. The difference is severity,"
Flamme said. "Overall, it is important that people realize noise
is common in daily life and limit damaging sounds. Once noise-induced
hearing loss occurs, there is no going back."
Hearing loss cannot be corrected. However, hearing aids effectively reduce
negative impacts of hearing loss by helping people hear sounds that were
lost because of hearing impairment.
Hearing loss can be temporary or permanent. Noise-induced temporary hearing
loss, however, can lead to permanent hearing impairments. While slight
hearing loss is often unnoticeable, over time these losses add up to hearing
impairments that interfere with daily life.
The best way to prevent noise-induced hearing loss is to avoid loud environments
whenever possible. Hearing is affected not only by the amount of sound,
but also by the amount of time exposed to damaging noises. For example,
environments where you have to your voice to talk could damage your hearing
over prolonged exposure.
One risk factor for noise-induced hearing loss is smoking. How or why
smoking affects hearing loss is still unclear, but people who smoke are
twice as likely to have hearing impairment as those who never smoke. Smoky
environments have shown to double the chance of hearing loss.
If you are worried about your hearing, Flamme suggests consulting an
audiologist or UI Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery
or a UI Family Care physician.
To ensure healthy hearing, avoid the types of sounds that could harm
your hearing and make sure to monitor your hearing ability throughout
your life.
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For more information:
Greg Flamme,
Ph.D.
UI Department of Otolaryngology,
Head & Neck Surgery
UI Family Care
Health Information Topics for
Hearing
Healthbeat:
Hearing Loss
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