A study published by Health Reports in 2018 reported that around 11 million Canadians (42 percent) are exposed to workplace noise with the potential to damage their hearing.
Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a form of acquired hearing loss that is the result of damage to the inner ear by either exposure to an extreme noise event or ongoing exposure to noise over an extended period.
While NIHL typically affects those in the military or those who work in construction, forestry or manufacturing, and others who use heavy equipment, it is also a concern for musicians, individuals in the entertainment industry and those who use earbuds or headphones at a high volume.
At Smiles From Ear to Hear, we are especially concerned with hearing loss and potential hearing loss linked to exposure to excess noise. We are doing everything we can to ensure that individuals in Toronto, Mississauga and the GTA have access to the solutions and support to overcome NIHL.
What Are the Symptoms of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?
The symptoms of NIHL are similar to those associated with sensorineural hearing loss, such as:
Distorted or muffled hearing
Struggling to hear high-pitched tones (birds singing, alarm clocks, telephones ringing, doorbells, televisions, etc.)
Difficulty understanding telephone conversations and/or differentiating individual voices during group conversations or when in a noisy environment
Feelings of stuffiness, fullness or aching in your ears
Ringing in the ears (tinnitus), especially after exposure to excessively loud sounds
NIHL affects each individual differently. It may come on immediately or take some time to become noticeable. It can be a temporary condition but usually becomes permanent. NIHL can affect only one ear or both ears.
What Causes NIHL?
Within your inner ear are microscopic hair cells that respond to the mechanical sound vibrations sent by the middle ear and convert them into an electrical signal, which is delivered to the brain.
Various groups of hair cells process frequencies from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. Exposure to an extreme noise event or to loud noise at various frequencies for an extended period will damage or break these hair cells, destroying their capacity to process sound vibrations.
NIHL occurs due to a one-time exposure to an extremely loud sound, blast or impulse over 120 decibels or from listening to sounds above 85 decibels over an extended period.
Damage is most often the result of occupational noises (heavy equipment and machinery), but recreational noises (shooting, hunting, fireworks) and loud music also have the potential to damage your hearing.
In addition to damaging the hair cells of the inner ear, extreme noise events may rupture the eardrum or damage the bones in the middle ear, which can lead to immediate, permanent hearing loss.
How Is Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Treated?
Treatment for NIHL begins with a comprehensive hearing assessment designed to provide an accurate diagnosis of your hearing challenges. The information collected during your hearing assessment will be used to develop a customized treatment plan that addresses your specific hearing needs.
Should your hearing test indicate normal hearing, our professionals will provide you with advice to prevent noise-induced hearing loss, which may include certain lifestyle changes or hearing protection.
Treatment solutions if you have permanent hearing loss may include the use of hearing aids to help restore your hearing and improve your quality of life.
Can I Get Financial Support for NIHL?
We understand that an investment in better hearing can be a financial burden to many of those who come to us for help. For this reason, our professionals provide assistance with obtaining insurance coverage to help meet your financial needs.
If you’re not covered by your insurance or your insurance doesn’t provide enough help to meet your needs, we have access to other resources to help relieve your financial burden. Contact us for information about getting financial assistance for NIHL.
