Generally people are more aware nowadays that they need to wear hearing protection when working in noise or participating in noisy pastimes ( such as shooting).
Exposure to consistently loud noise ( over 90db) through working in noisy places, such as engineering, military, even dog kennels can lead to permanent high frequency hearing loss. The inner ear hair cells can be damaged and they do not self regenerate. The hair cells that respond to high frequency sounds are exposed due to their positioning at the entrance of the inner ear ( cochlea), so they take the brunt of the sound wave and wear away. This can also cause tinnitus which can be permanent or temporary.
After exposure to a short duration of loud sound ( at a disco or concert) there can be a ringing sensation in the ears. This is tinnitus and is due to the battering the inner ear hair cells have just taken. In most cases this tinnitus is temporary.
Wearing custom made hearing protection which can cost as little as £100 for both ears can certainly stave off life changing high frequency hearing loss and is a cheap solution to prevent a serious problem, Fortunately legislation in recent years has forced employers to provide hearing protection to staff who are exposed to loud sounds and many people engaging in noisy sports or pastimes have also wised up to the benefits of hearing protection.
At the Congleton, Poynton and Glossop Hearing Centres we have for many years provided custom made hearing protection moulds – call us on 0800 458 6726 to find out more.
