Hearing loss in the inner ear due to exposure to noise

Hearing loss in the inner ear due to exposure to noise
Hearing loss in the inner ear as a result of exposure to strong noise has several advantages: The type of hearing loss is sensorineural. There is a difference between exposure to noise that causes temporary hearing impairment (Temporary threshold shift), which is a reversible damage (which can be removed) partially or completely, and exposure that causes permanent hearing impairment (Permanent threshold shift). The most common symptom of hearing loss is tinnitus, which is an annoying sound that is heard in the ear or in the head.

Exposure to strong noise impairs the ability to hear with the magnitude and severity associated with the exposure conditions.

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In addition to hearing damage, moderate exposure to noise can be disturbing and cause undesirable feelings, such as fatigue and decreased ability to concentrate. There are facts from animal and human experiments that indicate that noise has a negative impact on the work of various body systems such as the nervous system, the cardiovascular system and the endocrine system. Sources of nuisance harmful to human hearing come mainly from workplaces, the military and sometimes loud music.

The location of the damage in the inner ear: The temporary damage to hearing is attributed to the acceleration of the metabolic activity of the outer hair cells of the inner ear. This damage is reversible (can be removed). On the other hand, permanent damage to the hearing thresholds is attributed to motor damage that affects hair cells to the point of destroying (destroying) the cells. Hair cell death can lead to degeneration (atrophy) of the auditory nerve fibers. It is possible for both metabolic and motor damage to occur, thus some of the hearing damage becomes temporary and the other part remains permanent.

The quality and severity of hearing damage (temporary or permanent) are related to several complementary causes:

Noise level, exposure duration (exposure), noise quality (continuous or intermittent), noise frequencies structure and personal sensitivity of the individual exposed to the noise (such as the presence of diseases related to the cardiovascular system, diabetes mellitus, smoking, taking drugs that are toxic to the inner ear).

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According to the estimate of the National Institutes of Health in the United States (NIH) for the year 1990, about one third of all hearing damage in adults is caused by exposure to noise, and among them the occupational factor (noise in the work environment) is the most common cause of hearing loss (Occupational NIHL).

Hearing loss caused by exposure to artificial noise: damage that accumulates and develops slowly over the years. During the first years of exposure to noise, the operator is unaware of hearing loss, usually limited to high frequencies. However, in difficult acoustic conditions, such as the presence of several speakers at once, or background noise, it is difficult for the operator to communicate verbally with people. Hearing impairment as a result of occupational noise is generally bilateral and the frequencies are in the range of 3-6 kilohertz (kHz), which is the most harmful range. There are various laws around the world that include standards for the permissible noise level for industrial workers. Such as the procedures of the National Employment Association of the United States (NIOSH).

When the worker is exposed to a noise level of 85 decibels (dBA) and above, the employer must activate a hearing preservation program, which includes, personal protective equipment (such as earplugs - protectors - ears or headphones), periodic hearing examinations and frequent noise level measurements in the workplace different.

Hearing damage caused by exposure to noise in entertainment venues Additional noise sources that can cause cumulative damage are those sources associated with leisure and entertainment, such as: noise at night discos, at a rock concert or listening to music with personal listening devices. In general, exposure to high-acoustic music is not continuous, and therefore, its effect on the level of hearing is less compared to industrial noise. However, it must be remembered that repeated exposure to music at high intensity can cause permanent hearing damage.

Hearing damage due to exposure to acoustic trauma: The noise caused by explosions or gunfire is characterized by a very short exposure time (less than 0.2 milliseconds), but at the same time, it reaches The loudness is very high, ranging from 170-140 decibels. The damage to hearing as a result of exposure to noise of this type is considered very serious, as it appears immediately after the accident, and is usually accompanied by a strong tinnitus. In the event that the explosion is accompanied by an air echo, this may lead to damage to the middle ear structure as well, in addition to damage to hearing in the inner ear.

In order to reduce the possibility of permanent damage to hearing ability as a result of exposure to strong noise, emphasis should be placed on implementing existing procedures with respect to permissible noise levels in the workplace and in recreation, and on operating a hearing preservation program in factories.

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