What is NIHL hearing loss?

Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent hearing loss that is caused by being around loud noises over a long period of time. It can also occur after you are exposed to loud noise in a short period of time, such as a gunshot or explosion. The more you are around loud noises, the more you risk having hearing loss.

Is NIHL a sensorineural hearing loss?

According to the Ministry of Health (2006), Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) is hearing loss caused by prolonged exposure to noise. It is characterized as sensorineural hearing loss and is usually bilateral, irreversible, and progressive while the exposure to noise continues.

What sounds can cause NIHL?

NIHL can be caused by a one-time exposure to an intense “impulse” sound, such as an explosion, or by continuous exposure to loud sounds over an extended period of time, such as noise generated in a woodworking shop.

What are symptoms of NIHL?

Symptoms of noise-induced hearing loss

• You have pain in your ears following loud noise exposure.
• Other people comment that you’re talking loudly or shouting.
• You have tinnitus—ringing, whooshing, roaring or buzzing sounds in your ears.
• You may experience diplacusis, or “double hearing,” though this is rare.

Is NIHL treatable?

Many ask: Can hearing damage and noise induced hearing loss be reversed or is there a cure for noise-induced hearing loss? Unfortunately not. Once the hair cells in the inner ear have been damaged by noise exposure, they have suffered permanent damage and cannot be restored.

Does NIHL get worse?

Noise-induced hearing loss can be immediate, causing a sudden hearing loss, or it can be gradual over time, getting worse as you get older. It can occur in both ears or one and can be temporary or permanent.

Does NIHL go away?

Once they’re gone, they’re gone forever. NIHL can affect you in many ways. It can happen suddenly, after a single incidence of loud noise exposure, or it can build up over time. It can be temporary, or it can be permanent.

How do you treat NIHL?

Since there is no established clinical treatment for NIHL yet, prevention of exposure to loud noise, for example by using ear protectors, is currently the primary strategy against NIHL.

How is NIHL diagnosed?

A research study in Austria found that it’s possible to determine your susceptibility to NIHL by measuring temporary hearing loss — also known as temporary threshold shift (TTS). This test can tell you how quickly the cells in your inner ear recover after noise exposure, which can be beneficial for preventing NIHL.

How is NIHL treated?

In most cases, noise-induced hearing loss is treated with hearing aids. However, if hearing loss worsens over time, hearing aids may not provide enough benefit and your provider may recommend other options such as cochlear implants.

How do I fix my NIHL?

When the hearing loss is there it is a permanent hearing loss, also called a permanent threshold shift. A noise-induced hearing loss is most often treated with the use of hearing aids or with hearing implants such as cochlear implants if the hearing loss is very severe.

Can NIHL be cured?

Even though scientists are making progress, presently, there isn’t a cure for noise induced hearing loss. If you have been exposed to a loud noise, you need to consult a doctor as soon as possible, because some of the lasting damage is caused by inflammation in the ear.

What is noise-induced hearing loss?

Noise-induced hearing loss is a permanent hearing impairment, which is the result of prolonged exposure to high levels of noise in the environment. One in ten American worker has hearing loss that affects their ability to understand normal speech.

How can I prevent a noise induced hearing loss/NIHL?

You can prevent a noise induced hearing loss/NIHL by turning down the volume, reducing the time you are exposed to the loud noise and/or using hearing protection.

What happens to your hearing when you are exposed to noise?

The hearing deteriorates gradually from the noise exposure. A noise-induced hearing loss is also called NIHL. Excessive noise exposure is one of the most common causes of hearing loss. When you have a noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), the hair cells in your inner ear have been damaged by the exposure to noise.

What is the difference between sound and NIHL?

Sound is measured in units called decibels. Sounds at or below 70 A-weighted decibels (dBA), even after long exposure, are unlikely to cause hearing loss. However, long or repeated exposure to sounds at or above 85 dBA can cause hearing loss. The louder the sound, the shorter the amount of time it takes for NIHL to happen.