Press\/hover over a number to see which sounds are at each decibel level.<\/p>
* Level at which sustained exposure may result in hearing loss<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Who is Affected by Noise Induced Hearing Loss?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Hearing loss is often perceived as \u201ca disease of the elderly,\u201d but noise induced hearing loss shatters that stereotype because it can affect people of all ages, including children, teenagers and adults young and old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Activities Can Damage Your Hearing?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
It is estimated that 15 percent of Americans between the ages of 20 and 69 are experiencing hearing loss that is the result of exposure to excessive noise either at work or through recreational activities. High-risk pursuits include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Hunting<\/li>
- Riding motorcycles and snowmobiles<\/li>
- Attending rock concerts<\/li>
- Listening to music at high volume through ear buds or headphones<\/li>
- Mowing the lawn<\/li>
- Using a leaf blower<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Signs of Noise Induced Hearing Loss<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/hearingnd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/iStock-836140256-1280x854.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nHearing loss often develops gradually and may not be immediately noticeable. If conversations and other noises sound distorted or muffled, you may be experiencing early symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other signs include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Frequently asking people to repeat themselves when speaking<\/li>
- Watching TV or listening to the radio with the volume set at a level uncomfortable to others<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Many times, exposure to loud noise causes a temporary hearing loss that disappears within 48 hours. Over time this may lead to long-term hearing damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How Do You Treat Noise-induced Hearing Loss?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The most common treatment method<\/a> for this hearing loss type is the use of a hearing aid. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Noise induced hearing loss can occasionally be temporary and hearing may return after 16 to 48 hours. That doesn’t mean that damage hasn’t occurred though. If you have already suffered from noise damage, existing damage to your hearing cannot be repaired, but prevention methods can keep more damage from occurring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to Prevent Hearing Loss<\/h2>\n\n\n\n