The Concern

It is widely known that noise exposure can cause permanent hearing loss. Level and duration of noise exposure are directly correlated with hearing damage. That means that the louder and longer the noise exposure, the greater the risk of hearing issues. Any noise over 70 dBA can potentially cause hearing damage.

The Effects of Noise Exposure

Noise-exposure has been shown to damage hearing in several ways. One of the earliest signs of noise damage is tinnitus - a ringing, buzzing, roaring, or other noise in the ears or head. Sometimes tinnitus can be temporary, but over time it is likely to become permanent. Noise exposure can also manifest as a temporary hearing loss, also known as a temporary threshold shift. This when your hearing sounds muffled after loud noise, but then it returns to normal about 16-48 hours later. Even though your hearing seems to return to normal, research suggests that there is subclinical damage that has already happened at this point. A permanent threshold shift is when your hearing gets muffled, but doesn’t recover later. With very loud or repeated noise exposure, a permanent threshold shift becomes very likely.

First Signs of Hearing Loss

Signs of hearing loss include:

• Tinnitus - ringing, buzzing, roaring, or other noises in your ears or head

• Mixing up words, especially in a crowded place

• Feeling like other people are mumbling or muffled

• Frequently asking for repetition

• Asking people to speak louder or slower

• Needing to turn up the volume of the TV or music

Hearing loss usually comes on slowly. If you are regularly exposed to noise at work or through hobbies, you should monitor your hearing every year.

Noise Protection

The best way to manage noise exposure is to wear hearing protection in the first place. Hearing protection is extremely effective at reducing noise exposure and makes you much less likely to get noise-induced hearing loss. Even if you already have some hearing loss, noise protection can help prevent further damage. If you have issues wearing your current hearing protection due to comfort issues, there are many different types of hearing protection to try. These include basic kinds, such as foam plugs and earmuffs. There are also custom styles to suit your needs.

Treating Hearing Loss

If you are already experiencing tinnitus or any other signs of hearing loss, see an audiologist for a hearing test. A hearing test can reveal many of the effects of noise exposure and help guide treatment. If you have noise-induced hearing loss, hearing aids can improve clarity in conversation. If your hearing loss appears to be work related, we can help you put in a claim for noise-induced hearing loss to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board.