Understanding what sound trauma is?
Sound trauma is disabling because it can permanently disrupt hearing . Unlike sensorineural hearing loss which normally occurs (hypoacusia linked to earwax, presbycusis) or deafness linked to a disease, sound trauma is caused by a sudden sound which can lead to sudden hearing loss .
How does a sound trauma happen?
Sound trauma has two main causes:
- A noise or a sound that is too loud : detonation, explosion, gunshot … which causes acute sound trauma following the brutal destruction of sensory cells inside the ear … Deafness can be immediate.
- A repeated annoying noise : jackhammer, music, noisy sound space. This is referred to as chronic sound trauma .
In both cases, excessive noise is the cause of the trauma.
Dangerous sound levels
There are professional or so-called leisure hearing problems . You should know that more than 7 million French people live in areas of excessive noise and no less than 2 million are exposed to it in their professional environment, sometimes at dangerous levels.
The situation is particularly worrying among young people . Blame it on the intensive use of music players, concerts or nightclubs with excessively high sound levels.
From 85 decibels, protection is strongly recommended . From 89 decibels over more than an hour of exposure, it is essential.
It is imperative to protect yourself in noisy sound situations. The Hearing Matters has developed a whole range of protection against noise : ear muffs and standard earplugs, tailor-made earplugs …
What are the possible consequences of a sound trauma?
The consequences on your hearing of a sound trauma are multiple. They can range from a simple temporary wheezing to a persistent sensation of blocked ears . Here are the different symptoms that you may observe after subjecting your ears to too much noise:
- Ringing, wheezing and other symptoms of tinnitus.
- Sensation of blocked ears.
- Temporary or permanent hearing loss.
- Headache, dizziness and difficulty picking up sounds.
- Hypersensitivity to noise, also called hyperacusis.
How to protect your hearing?
The best way to take care of your hearing is to have a good understanding of the causes of hearing loss . So you will be able to protect your ears.
You must be particularly vigilant if you work in a noisy environment: industry, building, or if you often have to listen to music.
Discover our tips for enjoying music without damaging your hearing.
Finally, it is always important to protect your ears with earplugs adapted to your needs.
