Loud Noise Can Make You Deaf

Acoustic trauma refers to the mechanism of hearing loss induced by very loud noise. The auditory end organs in the body are very sensitive and delicate parts. High sound pressure may prove harmful and cause serious effects on these organs.

Many of us experience reduced hearing after a music concert or coming out of a dance party. These are temporary episodes of hearing impairment due to mild trauma.

If the ears are exposed to explosive sounds even for a short period, it can cause sever acoustic problems. Noise exceeding 90 decibels is considered to be hazardous for the ear organs. Noise limit of 90 decibels per 40 hours in a week is only allowed for the factory workers. Other examples of loud noise include a sudden explosion very near to the ear or a gunshot.

Such loud and explosive noise affects the cochlear vessels and also causes anoxia in the hair cells, thereby causing much damage. The most dangerous noise is the white noise (like white light) as it consists of mixture of all frequencies of sound waves.

After exposure to such noises, the patient may complain of tinnitus (ringing noises in the ears) or hearing loss (to high pitched sounds).

It has also been proved that certain sound frequencies can affect other body parts too. Some intolerable sensations in the chest and thorax, chest wall vibration, changes in the respiratory rhythm, coughing, sub-sternal pressure and choking respiration may be caused by certain frequency sounds.

Acoustic trauma is suspected only in case of hearing loss in response to exposure to loud noise. The diagnosis is made through auditory testing using an audiogram.

There is no cure for such a condition and there is permanent hearing loss. Treatment only aims to protect the ear from further damage. Hearing aid and lip reading techniques are often helpful for the patients.

Preventive measures include wearing earplugs whenever near to a loud noise source and not listening to loud music for longer periods.