Prevention: prevent hearing loss

You can use ear plugs to protect your ears from loud noises. But it should be remembered that it is not only extremely loud sounds that can cause injury. Prolonged exposure to loud sounds can also cause injury. As soon as the sound volume reaches a certain level, it begins to damage the delicate structures of the inner ear. If such exposure occurs regularly, then the damage will become irreversible.

Hearing loss caused by acoustic trauma occurs when loud sound damages the delicate mechanisms of the inner ear. The source of the loud sound can be a shot from a gun, an explosion, or loud music in a nightclub. Such a loud sound, reaching the cochlea, causes serious damage to it, which can lead to permanent hearing loss.

Hearing loss due to noise is not limited to adults. Recent studies have shown an alarming increase in the number of adolescents with similar hearing loss patterns. Evidence shows that loud concert music, or music played through headphones, is the main culprit. In the worst case scenario, noise injury can even lead to tinnitus. This ringing is called tinnitus, it manifests itself when a person’s auditory system is damaged and is often permanent.

Many people who are fond of loud music and concerts, in their 50s, often experience hearing loss and extraneous tinnitus. Fortunately, modern hearing aids are becoming more and more effective at fighting tinnitus. Perhaps someday in the future, scientists will be able to find a remedy that will completely get rid of tinnitus.

It is not just obvious noise pollution such as aircraft noise, sirens or a loud rock concert that can damage our hearing. Persistent noises, which are not perceived as too loud at first, often lead to hearing loss in the long run. Here in particular, it is important to get advice from an expert on the right hearing protection. Problem areas include workplaces with a high level of noise pollution, but also leisure activities and hobbies that are associated with loud noises – such as shooting sports and DIY.

In addition, hearing protection supports the necessary relaxation in order to be able to fall asleep and stay asleep undisturbed. Hearing protection is also helpful when studying because you are less distracted.

Your child wants to go to the open-air concert or to the motor sport race – hearing protection is important because children’s hearing is particularly sensitive. When swimming, ear protection can prevent water from building up in the ear canal. Small children in particular do not understand that this traffic jam usually clears up quickly and they become frightened. Such protection may also be necessary for medical reasons when swimming, for example in the case of frequent otitis media and inserted ventilation tubes. Hearing protection helps students learn without being disturbed.

The simplest advice is to avoid situations where noise becomes dangerous. And if you are, then use protective equipment, it does not matter whether it is a set of earplugs or massive noise-protective headphones. Always use them if you are working in a noisy production environment. Protect your ears when using noisy equipment such as a drill or saw. Use protective equipment when hunting, riding a motorcycle, or loud cars. Protective equipment can be of different shapes, colors and sizes, and can even be customized. Your hearing care professional will find the best solution for you.