Language
Country/Area
No result found
The hidden threat of noise: How much do your ears bear?
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 50% of hearing loss is related to noise. To many people, noise may seem like just a bothersome distraction, but the potential damage it causes to hearing cannot be underestimated. In this context, the potential threat of noise is quietly coming. How much have your ears endured?
Age and hearing loss
As we age, hearing loss gradually becomes inevitable. This loss of high frequencies that increases with age is called "presbycusis" or "hearing loss." Hearing loss begins around age 25 in men and in women in their 30s, as part of aging and different from hearing loss caused by noise exposure, toxins or disease.
Old people are generally accompanied by common diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes, which may also aggravate hearing loss.
The impact of noise on hearing
Noise exposure is the leading cause of hearing loss. Approximately 5% of the world's population is affected by some degree of hearing problems. Among them, continuous exposure to noise above 85 decibels, or one exposure to noise above 120 decibels, may cause permanent hearing loss.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) states that most hearing loss is not caused by age but by noise exposure.
Noise damage often manifests as an increase in hearing threshold between 3000 and 6000 Hz. As the damage worsens, the effects will also extend to the low and high frequency ranges. This process shows a noticeable "noise dip".
Genetic factors
Hearing loss is also affected by genetic factors. 75% to 80% of hereditary hearing loss is recessive, while 20% to 25% is dominant. About 70% of these hereditary hearing losses are nonsyndromic, meaning the patient has no other medical problems besides hearing loss.
Health problems in the newborn period
Fetal alcohol syndrome may cause hearing loss in up to 64% of newborn babies among pregnant women who drink alcohol, research shows. In addition, premature birth also increases the risk of hearing loss, especially in babies weighing less than 1,500 grams.
The effects of drugs and chemicals
Certain drugs are considered ototoxic and their use may cause temporary or permanent hearing loss. For example, certain antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been significantly linked to hearing loss.
A 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis showed that alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of hearing loss.
Underappreciated sources of noise
Many people are unaware of the harmful noise present in their everyday environment. For example, car stereos, toddler toys, lawn mowing tools, and musical instruments can all reach noise levels that may harm your hearing. The harm from these noises is cumulative, and continued or repeated exposure will further increase the risk of hearing loss.
Conclusion
With the continuous development of society, we are increasingly exposed to noise of various volumes. Whether it is industrial noise, environmental noise, or the volume generated by electronic products, these are all invisible threats to our hearing health. Therefore, it is particularly important to protect your ears and reduce noise exposure. Are you aware of these hidden threats and taking action to protect your hearing?
