Guides / Noise Induced Hearing Loss
Noise Induced Hearing Loss
Causes, prevention, and management of noise-induced hearing loss.
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HEARING LOSS
Understanding Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
In today’s fast-paced world, noise has become an unavoidable part of daily life. Whether it’s the bustling city streets, loud concerts, or the constant hum of machinery, exposure to excessive noise levels has become a concern for our hearing health. Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a type of hearing impairment that results from prolonged exposure to loud noises. This article delves into the causes, prevention, and management of noise-induced hearing loss.
CAUSES
Causes Of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Noise-induced hearing loss occurs when the delicate hair cells within the cochlea of the inner ear are damaged due to exposure to loud sounds. These hair cells are responsible for converting sound waves into electrical signals that the brain can interpret as sound. When exposed to loud noises, the hair cells can become overworked, leading to their gradual deterioration and eventual permanent hearing loss.
Factors Affecting NIHL
Loudness levels
Decibel (dB) is a measure of sound level and normal conversation is around 60dB. An alarm clock ringing can reach around 80dB and motorcycles can reach around 120dB. Anything above 85dB is classed as harmful.
Duration of Exposure
The longer the exposure to loud noises, the greater the risk. Short bursts of extremely loud noise, such as gunfire or explosions, can also cause immediate damage and also trauma to the eardrum.
Frequency of Noise
High-frequency sounds, like those in a busy construction site, can be particularly damaging to the hair cells.
PROTECTION
PROTECT AND PREVENT NIHL
Noise-induced hearing loss is a growing concern in today’s noisy world, affecting individuals across all age groups. Understanding the causes, prevention methods, and management strategies for NIHL is crucial to safeguard our hearing health. By taking proactive measures to protect our ears from loud noises and seeking appropriate interventions, we can minimise the impact of noise-induced hearing loss on our quality of life. The following can help preserve your hearing for longer:
Protect against NIHL
Ear Protection
Wearing earmuffs or earplugs in noisy environments can significantly reduce the risk of NIHL. There are different types of earplugs available. Custom earplugs can come with filters and allow more personalised attenuation of noise.
Volume Control
When listening to music through headphones or attending concerts, keep the volume at a reasonable level and take breaks to allow your ears to rest.
Limit Exposure
Minimise the time spent in noisy environments whenever possible. Take breaks to give your ears a chance to recover.
Noise-Cancelling Devices
Consider using noise-cancelling headphones in environments with constant background noise, as these can reduce the need to increase the volume to drown out external sounds.
Noise Exposure And Your Hearing
We live in an increasingly noisy environment but the general hubbub of noise around us isn’t usually damaging to our ears. We rely on little hair cells in the cochlea part of the inner ear to convert sound into electrical impulses and when we are exposed to louder noise than our ears can handle, the hair cells are damaged resulting in a hearing loss and quite often tinnitus, too. Therefore, when sound exceeds normal listening levels for a considerable length of time, it can have irreversible effects on our inner ear.
Decibel (dB) is a measure of sound level and normal conversation is around 60dB. An alarm clock ringing can reach around 80dB and motorcycles can reach around 120dB. Anything above 85dB is classed as harmful.
How to prevent noise-related hearing loss.
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Limit your exposure to loud sounds
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Turn down personal listening devices or get some custom made earphones to connect to your existing device for a clearer listening experience.
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Wear ear protection
If you feel your hearing has deteriorated due to exposure to loud sounds or if you feel that you would like help managing any tinnitus (ringing in your ears). Get in touch for some open and clear advice today.
EARPLUGS
What Type Of Earplugs Are Available?
Ear plugs come in various styles and colours, each designed for a specific use.
Disposable Foam Earplugs
These are soft foam earplugs that can be rolled and inserted into the ear canal. They expand to fit the ear and create a seal that helps reduce noise.
Disposable foam earplugs are affordable and widely available, making them a popular choice for many professionals, including dentists and hygienists.
YOUR HEARING
Noise Exposure And Your Hearing
We live in an increasingly noisy environment but the general hubbub of noise around us isn’t usually damaging to our ears. We rely on little hair cells in the cochlea part of the inner ear to convert sound into electrical impulses and when we are exposed to louder noise than our ears can handle, the hair cells are damaged resulting in a hearing loss and quite often tinnitus, too. Therefore, when sound exceeds normal listening levels for a considerable length of time, it can have irreversible effects on our inner ear.
Decibel (dB) is a measure of sound level and normal conversation is around 60dB. An alarm clock ringing can reach around 80dB and motorcycles can reach around 120dB. Anything above 85dB is classed as harmful.
How to prevent noise-related hearing loss
Exposure
Limit your exposure to loud sounds
Turn it down
Turn down personal listening devices or get some custom made earphones to connect to your existing device for a clearer listening experience.
Protection
Wear ear protection
If you feel your hearing has deteriorated due to exposure to loud sounds or if you feel that you would like help managing any tinnitus (ringing in your ears). Get in touch for some open and clear advice today.
Nothing but the best for our patients
At PinnaClear, we are dedicated to providing professional audiology services to protect your hearing for life. We offer a wide range of custom earplugs for various activities, including swimming, music, and sleeping. Our expert fitting ensures that your earplugs are comfortable and effective. Trust us to help you safeguard your hearing and enjoy your favorite activities without worry.
Custom Earplugs Can Be Made In Your Colour Choice
We Offer Cord Attachments
Custom Earplugs Can Have Different Filters Offering Different Noise Reduction Levels.
We Offer A Range Of Ear Protection Options
Custom Earplugs For Are Reusable And Washable
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Get in Touch
We will arrange an appointment to check your ears are healthy and clear of wax.
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Impression Taking
We will discuss your ear protection options and take impressions of your ears.
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Fitting
We can either send the new ear protection directly to you or advise you on how best to insert the moulds one-to-one.
20 Years of
clinical experience
Licensed and certified with First Class BSc (Hons) in Audiology
Trained in microsuction earwax removal & behavioural therapy for tinnitus
Experience working within the NHS and private sector
Rated Excellent
Very professional service, I had a lot of ear wax and also a funny sensation in one ear which Hafiza took the time to explain and show me what was going on. Professionally cleaned, my ears and I are very happy 🙂
Raneesha Manoharan
Rated Excellent
Great service, well explained, well delivered, very pleased with outcome. I would recommend to anyone.
Lee Goulden
Rated Excellent
Very happy with the service at Pinnaclear. Hafiza was absolutely lovely and explained everything clearly before, during and after the treatment. Extremely pleased with the result and can now hear clearly again. Thank you
Tracey Carey
Why our customers choose us
An PinnaClear we aim to provide an audiology service that offers a personalised and holistic approach to hearing health. We combine cutting-edge technology with experienced professionals to provide accurate treatment plans to empower individuals to fully engage in their daily lives with optimal hearing clarity.
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Why do I get ringing in my ears?Ringing in ears (or head) is also known as tinnitus. This is a sound that usually occurs inside, without an external sound source. Tinnitus can occur for a number of reasons but the most common reason people experience tinnitus is due to reduced hearing levels. The first step would be to arrange a hearing assessment.
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Do I need to soften my earwax before getting them cleaned?Unlike syringing, most people don't need soft wax for microsuction earwax removal to be successful. However, using a softening agent such as olive oil can mean a quicker and more comfortable microsuction earwax removal procedure.
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What are the common hearing loss signs and symptoms?Patients usually report difficulty in hearing conversation, particularly in busy social settings. Quite often, family and friends notice hearing difficulties first. If you feel your hearing is deteriorating, then a hearing assessment will indicate the degree of hearing loss. The audiologist will then advise on the best treatment plan for you.
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Can I get an invisible hearing aid?Hearing aids have advanced massively over the years; they are available in a range of colours and sizes. The type suitable for you will depend on a number of factors such as the shape of your ear canal and the degree of hearing loss. Your audiologist will advise on the best type of hearing aid for you, book an appointment today.
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What is microsuction earwax removal?Microsuction earwax removal is the removal of stubborn earwax using a suction device. The procedure is performed by trained professionals and involves wearing some magnifiers to make it easier to view the wax and eardrum.
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Do I need to soften the wax with olive oil before microsuction?Unlike syringing, softening earwax the same way isn’t necessary. However, it can mean the procedure is more comfortable, particularly if the wax is stuck against the ear canal.
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What is the best way to clean your ears?Ears will naturally withdraw any earwax. If you do not have any pre-existing medical ear conditions you can use a little bit of olive oil to help soften any earwax and clean your ears. If you have earwax that is causing your hearing aid to whistle or cauging you discomfort then it is best to get your ears cleaned professionally.
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How much does ear cleaning cost?The current charges at PinnaClear are £50 to £70, depending on the location and whether it is one or both ears that need cleaning. Home visits vary depending on the distance needing to be travelled.
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Is microsuction earwax removal safe?As with any medical procedure, there are always risks involved. These risks are minimised by providing an accurate medical history and booking in with an experienced, fully trained professional.
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What is the difference between going to Specsavers and coming to PinnaClear?The main difference is the level of training and experience. Quite often, the staff at Specsavers are minimally trained as hearcare assistants or hearing aid dispensers and will usually work off a checklist. At PinnaClear, all services are offered by a senior audiologist with several years of NHS and private audiology work.
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Will the wax come out by itself if I just use olive oil?Olive oil ear drops can help to soften any ear wax so that it can naturally work its way out. If there is too much earwax or the wax is hard and impacted against the ear drum, the olive oil will soften the wax and help with professional microsuction ear wax removal.
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Do hopi ear candles work?There is a misconception that hopi ear candles help to draw wax out of the ears, however, several studies have shown that this is not the case and instead hopi candles leave residue inside the ears, increasing risk of infection. There is also an increased risk of burning the ear with incorrectly performed procedures. This is also an unregulated procedure which means the risks can vary greatly.
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Is it ok to use cotton buds?The skin inside our ears is very sensitive and cotton buds peel away at the protective layer in our ears. If there is wax it can become impacted as you push wax deeper against the ear drum. This can reduce your hearing and cause pressure inside your ears.
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Do I need prior experience to attend?Unlike other places we don't just train anyone. We want to make sure our clinicians uphold a certain standard of practice and care for their patients and not just look at earwax removal as a money making scheme. Participants should have some clinical experience in ear care and have at least some basic knowledge of ear anatomy.
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How long does the course take?This microsuction earwax removal training is a two day-course with both theoretical and practical components. Day one will be delivered remotely with training material provided in advance and day two will consist of practical sessions in clinic.
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What equipment will I need?Please bring your own otoscope and specula. If you already have a set of loupes or similar, it is best to bring them so you familiarise yourself with the equipment during the training. All other equipment will be provided on the day. You will receive guidance on the best products and equipment for your own practice.
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Do you offer after-course support?Absolutely! We provide ongoing support to all course participants, ensuring you feel confident and capable long after completing the training.
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What if I don't pass the course?If you do not meet the pass criteria you will be given the opportunity to strengthen your skillset with further half day training. This will be £195 and include some written work. You will need to complete this within 3 months of your original training session.