Noise is an unpleasant and unwanted sound that disturbs the listener. Every day, in our environment, we hear a lot of sounds from television, radio, household noise, and traffic noise.

Generally, these sounds are safe and do not harm our hearing. But if we hear loud noises for longer or even a short time, it can hurt us. These sounds damage the sensitive parts of the inside of the ear and cause hearing impairment. This type of hearing loss is known as impaired hearing.

There are two types of health problems that can be caused due to loud noises. These problems can be classified as auditory and non-auditory problems. Non-auditory problems include insomnia, stress, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, irritability, psychological problems, headaches, and anxiety. A hearing impairment caused by loud noise is an auditory problem.

Noise can cause temporary or permanent hearing impairment. As soon as you hear a loud noise, there is a slight auditory defect. If we do not hear such a loud noise any longer, there is a gradual recovery in hearing ability. This is called a temporal threshold shift. But for long periods of time, we hear the same loud noise, resulting in permanent hearing loss (permanent threshold shift). This permanent hearing defect depends on the noise level, the type of exposure, and the time of recovery.

Some sources of noise pollution!

Noise pollution is caused by industrial and non-industrial sources. Industrial noise is the high speed and harsh sound of machinery used in factories and is also responsible for sound pollution. Road noise, air, railroads, construction, recreational activities, social gatherings, and household appliances such as vacuum cleaners and some kitchen appliances are the source of non-industrial noise pollution.

Does this affect all people?

People of any age can be exposed to harmful noise. According to research, noise is more dangerous to the ears of older persons.

What causes noise-induced hearing loss?

The soft cells in the inner ear could be damaged by frequent exposure to loud noise over a long period of time. If enough cells are destroyed, the hearing is permanently damaged.

Symptoms of Acoustic Hearing Deficiency!

Hearing loss is usually slow, or you can ignore them until symptoms of hearing loss become more apparent.

Symptoms of hearing impairment:
• Difficulty understanding speech
• Difficulty hearing high-frequency sounds
• Feeling like keeping a distance while talking
• Tinnitus is heard in the ear or in the head

What are Ear protection Devices?

Ear protection devices are worn devices that reduce the amount of noise entering the ear. Different types of ear protective devices: foam plug, molded plug, earmuff, and canal cap/semi-insert plug.

Can Acoustic Hearing Defect Prevented?
Yes,
• Know which sounds cause damage to the ear
• Wear ear protection devices when working in a loud area
• If you cannot reduce or protect yourself from the noise, stay away from it
• Take a break when working in a noisy room
• Protect young children’s ears from sound
• If your work area is too noisy, check your auditory strengths with an audiologist

Some Tips to Reduce Noise
• Reduce the noise intensity of TV, radio, or music
• Close windows to avoid unwanted noise coming into the home or building
• Plant more trees
• Lubricate machines and maintain them well

• Make use of sound-absorbing materials such as rubber mats, curtains, carpets, and double-pane windows to reduce noise at home and in the workplace
• Do not use too many noisy high-speed machines at once
  • Reduce the amount of noise during entertainment activities
  • Declare a “noise-free zone” in hospital, school, and residential areas

If you are having difficulty or know someone having difficulty in hearing, has hearing impairment, hearing loss, or hearing tinnitus, contact an audiologist immediately, go for a test and get the right solution to your problem.

By Jovita Priya Tauro

Audiologist
Speech Auditory section
Father Muller Medical College Hospital

Jovita Priya Tauro graduated in 2017 with a Bachelor’s degree in Audiology and Speech-language Pathology, and a master’s degree in 2019. She is currently serving as an Audiologist in the Audiology department of Father Muller Medical College Hospital. She has an interest in Diagnostic Audiology.