What Is Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?

Protecting Your Hearing

Hearing loss can be caused by a number of factors, including the ageing process and noise exposure. Hearing loss caused by exposure to loud sound is called noise-induced hearing loss or is sometimes referred to as ‘industrial deafness’. Exposure to loud sounds is the single most significant cause of hearing loss in Australia (Australian Hearing, 2013).

As people get older, many find that their hearing loss can be attributed to both the ageing process as well as to exposure to noise over their lifetime. However, noise damage can occur at any age and in any location – in the workplace, socially or around the house. Common sources of noise at home include power tools, lawnmowers and hairdryers.

How Does Damage Occur?

Noise damage depends on a range of factors including how loud the noise is, how long you are exposed to the noise for and how far you are from the source of the noise.

Noise Damage Is Preventable

Once it has occurred, damage to your hearing from exposure to loud noise is permanent and irreversible. However, unlike age-related hearing loss, noise-induced hearing loss is preventable and avoidable if you use the right strategies. Even if you’ve never protected your ears from loud noise before, if you’re still exposed to noise you can prevent any further noise-induced hearing loss by starting to wear hearing protection today.

Tips To Protect Your Hearing

Always wear the right type of hearing protection for your situation. Discuss your needs with your Hearing Service Provider (refer fact sheet Choosing a Hearing Service Provider), prior to purchasing ear plugs or ear muffs.

Take regular listening breaks away from noise to give your ears a chance to rest and reduce your exposure time. Even short breaks are better than nothing.
Turn down the volume. Even a small reduction can make a big difference over time.
Don’t be tempted to turn up the volume on your headphones to overcome background noise. Your ears adjust to this increase in volume and over the course of the day you can find yourself continually turning up the volume. Commit to leaving the volume on the same setting throughout the day. Consider purchasing a good quality pair of noise cancelling or noise isolating headphones if you listen to music or fly regularly. These help you to listen to music at the same level without needing to turn up the volume to overcome background noise.

Put as much distance as you can between yourself and the source of the noise. The closer you are to the sound source, the more damage is likely to occur.

Hearing Protection

The two main types of hearing protection available are ear muffs and ear plugs. These offer varying levels of hearing protection depending on your needs. Ear plugs are available for a range of purposes and may be disposable for single use or custom-made for your own ears.

Not all types of hearing protection are equal. Different types of hearing protection each come with advantages and disadvantages including cost, comfort and attenuation levels (how much they reduce noise levels). To make sure you are using the right type of protection for your situation, it’s important you discuss your needs with your Hearing Services Provider – refer fact sheet Signs of Hearing Loss and Taking Action.

Inserting Foam Ear Plugs

Before starting, ensure your hands are clean and that the plugs are the right size and protection level for your needs. Ask your hearing service provider for advice.
Using your fingertips, firmly roll the plug into a thin cylinder like a snake.
Pull your ear out and up with your free hand. Gently push the plug into your ear canal – most of the plug should be inside your canal. Hold it there until it expands, then release your ear.
To test the fit, press your palms over your ears. The background noise level should sound similar whether or not your ears are covered.
Remember to remove and reinsert the plugs if they become loose. Always twist then remove plugs slowly to prevent damage to your ear.

Regular Hearing Checks Are Important

Getting your hearing checked is important for everyone, whether you spend a lot of time around noise or not. A short hearing check every one to two years will help you understand your current hearing levels and help you monitor any changes in your hearing over time.

Guide Dogs Hearing Services

Guide Dogs Hearing Services provides assistance and support to any adult who has a hearing impairment or who has both a vision and hearing loss. We provide a range of individual services, group training programs, products and advice. Appointments are necessary. To contact us, email or telephone (08) 8203 8394.

This information is for educational and communication purposes only and should not be construed as personal medical advice. If you have any further questions, please contact us or consult your health professional.