Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a widespread issue, affecting approximately 26 million U.S. adults between the ages of 20 and 69. As the second leading cause of inner ear hearing loss, it’s crucial to understand how loud noise impacts your hearing and explore ways to safeguard it, such as using custom earplugs.
The Impact of Loud Noise on Your Hearing
Although you hear sound in a fraction of a second, it goes on a long journey through the ear canal before your brain understands it. For example, when the barista at Freya’s calls out your coffee order:
- The sound waves travel through the air and pass through the outer and middle ear.
- The waves then travel into the cochlea, located in the inner ear.
- The cochlea, a spiral-shaped organ, is lined with thousands of tiny hair cells. These hair cells transform the sound waves into electrical signals.
- The electrical signals are sent along the auditory nerve to the brain.
- The brain interprets these signals as sound, recognizing your coffee order.
When exposed to excessive noise levels, these hair cells can become damaged, sometimes permanently. This can result in hearing damage that may initially present as temporary symptoms like muffled hearing or tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
Over time, repeated exposure can lead to irreversible hearing loss. For those frequently in loud settings, protecting your hearing is essential. Custom earplugs offer a tailored solution that significantly reduces the risk of long-term damage.
The Benefits of Custom Earplugs
While standard earplugs or earmuffs can provide some level of protection, custom earplugs offer unique advantages that make them an excellent choice for people frequently exposed to high decibel noise levels. Custom earplugs are designed to fit the unique contours of your ear, ensuring a snug, comfortable fit that effectively blocks out harmful noise. Many custom earplugs also feature advanced filters that allow you to control the amount of sound that reaches your ears. This is particularly useful for musicians, construction workers and anyone who needs to maintain awareness of their surroundings while minimizing exposure to damaging noise levels.
If you want to learn more about how custom earplugs can protect your hearing, contact Gary D. Schwartzberg, Au.D., Doctor of Audiology today to book a consultation with our trusted specialists.