Hearing loss and noise
Research proves it
More than a hundred years ago, Dr Thomas Barr, a Scottish physician, realised that people who worked in noisy factories for many years tended to have a hearing loss. He worked out that their hearing loss was caused by the noise.
Since then research has shown that there is a connection between noise exposure and permanent hearing loss: the louder the sound and the longer the time of exposure, the greater the damage to the delicate hearing nerves. In fact, exposure to noise is very similar to exposure to ultra-violet radiation from the sun. A little can be a good thing but too much can be disastrous.
Loud sound damages ears
A sudden loud sound, such as a nearby explosion, can cause instantaneous hearing damage. However, most hearing loss due to noise is because the person has been in continuous loud noise over a long period, such as a noisy workplace.
But noise damage does not just happen at work. Damage can be caused by any loud sound such as loud music at a concert or through earphones, using power tools, and even from mowing the lawn.
When is sound too loud?
A rough guide is that if you need to shout or use a raised voice in order to be able to speak to someone at an arm’s length, the noise in that area is possibly dangerous. If you think a noise is too loud or uncomfortable, it could be damaging your hearing. But remember, noise does not need to be unpleasant to cause damage; there are many rock musicians who suffer from a disabling hearing loss.
What should you do?
It is best to try to get rid of the source of the noise, or if that is not possible, move away from the noise. If you must be in an area where there is too much noise, try not to stay there very long and use some form of hearing protectors such as earplugs or ear muffs. Before using earplugs or ear muffs, be sure you know how to use them properly. And remember that if you damage your hearing, it won’t come back!
Last Reviewed: 01 August 2003
