There are many kinds of hearing loss, the primary cause of which is aging or continual exposure to loud noises. Most hearing loss cannot be reversed, so it’s important to understand those types of activities that negatively impact hearing. The audiologists at Ear Nose & Throat Specialties PC, in Lincoln, NE, offer a list of potentially harmful situations and what you can do to protect your hearing from them.

Common Activities That Cause Hearing Loss

1. Occupational Noise

Working in noisy conditions, such as in construction or industrial settings, can cause damage to the inner ear. Continual exposure to the vibration of loud noises can destroy the tiny hairs and nerve cells inside the ear that communicate with the brain. Wearing industrial-grade earplugs or earmuffs is the best way to protect hearing if you work in noisy conditions. Failure to do so may lead to needing an audiologist to help you with hearing aids.

2. Shooting

Continued exposure to the noise from firearms can also damage hearing. The noise from guns is often near the ear, and some types of firearms make noise at a decibel level that can create painful and immediate hearing loss. A 12-gauge shotgun, for example, creates a 165-decibel noise (120 decibels is the level at which pain and injury can result). Recreational shooters or those who work with firearms need to protect their ears with earmuffs or earplugs.

3. Recreational Noise

Repeated use of snowmobiles, motorcycles, JetSkis®, high-powered motor boats, or attending loud concerts or sporting events can permanently damage hearing over time as hairs and nerves inside the ear are affected. These activities all create decibel level sound in the risk range. Hearing loss may be cumulative and not noticeable until later in life. Wear earplugs at rock concerts and helmets while participating in loud motorsports.

The best defense against hearing loss is to protect your ears. Moderate your recreational activities that can damage hearing. If your work involves chronically loud noise, make sure that you have your hearing tested by an audiologist once a year. Ear Nose & Throat Specialties PC offers the Lincoln and Beatrice communities complete ENT services. They have allergy testing, surgical services, CT scans, hearing aids, and pediatric ENT care. Call 402-488-5600 to make an appointment, or go to their website to learn more about their audiologists.