Audiology On Call, Your Hearing Care Experts in Atlanta, Likes To “Rock Out” Too!
Music is an integral part of our lives. Many enjoy listening to music while driving, relaxing at home, or attending concerts. However, too much exposure to loud music can harm our hearing. At Audiology On Call, your hearing care experts in Atlanta, we know the importance of your hearing and wish to share some tips on protecting it.
Temporary and Permanent Hearing Damage
One of the first things to understand is how temporary and permanent hearing damage are different. Temporary hearing damage is typically experienced after a loud concert. In contrast, permanent hearing damage is the cumulative effect of continued exposure to loud music over time.
Temporary hearing damage may present as muffled hearing, ringing in the ears, or difficulty hearing specific frequencies. This type of hearing damage is usually temporary and can improve after a short period of time. However, if left untreated, it can lead to permanent hearing damage.
Permanent hearing damage, on the other hand, is irreversible. The damage can occur gradually over time, making it difficult to notice until it is too late. The effects of permanent hearing damage can include:
- Difficulty hearing a conversation.
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
- A complete loss of hearing in some cases.
Baby Boomers and Hearing Loss? Your Hearing Care Experts in Atlanta Understand
Baby Boomers born between 1946 and 1964 are now experiencing the aftermath of years of attending concerts and listening to loud music. According to the Hearing Health Foundation, around 30% of baby boomers have hearing loss due to noise exposure. In contrast, only 19% of adults under 20 have hearing loss from noise exposure.
What level of loud music is dangerous to hearing?
Many experts agree that noise exposure at levels of 85 decibels (dB) for eight hours or 100 dB for 15 minutes or more is dangerous to hearing health. Sounds at 85 dB include typical city traffic or the sound of a lawn mower, while rock concerts can easily exceed 100 dB.
Types of Hearing Damage Associated with Loud Music
Prolonged exposure to loud music damages the delicate hair cells in our ears, leading to sensorineural hearing loss. This hearing damage occurs to the inner ear and the nerve pathways that transmit sound signals to the brain.
Another type of hearing damage associated with loud music is noise-induced tinnitus. This is a ringing or buzzing in the ears that can be temporary or permanent. Tinnitus impacts around 50 million Americans and can disrupt daily life.
Lastly, loud music can cause hyperacusis, where everyday sounds become unbearably loud. People with hyperacusis experience discomfort and even pain when exposed to normal sound levels, like a conversation or the sound of a car engine. Hyperacusis is often associated with tinnitus and can be caused by noise-induced hearing damage.
Here are some signs and symptoms that an individual may have hearing loss:
- Difficulty following conversations in noisy environments.
- Asking people to repeat things often
- Continually increasing the television or radio volume
- Difficulty hearing high-pitched or soft sounds.
How do you protect your hearing at concerts and in loud music situations?
Here are some simple tips that can help protect your hearing during loud music events and concerts:
Wear earplugs – protective earplugs are cheap and readily available and can reduce noise exposure by up to 30 dB.- Keep your distance – standing a safe distance from the source of loud music can help ensure safe listening levels.
- Take a break – give your ears a break from the loud music occasionally. Step outside or to a quieter space for a few minutes.
- Limit exposure time – spend less time in environments with loud music.
- Limit the volume – Especially when listening to music through headphones or in your car.
- Get your hearing checked – if you suspect you may have hearing loss, it is essential to seek a hearing care specialist for a hearing assessment.
Wear earplugs – protective earplugs are cheap and readily available and can reduce noise exposure by up to 30 dB.
Audiology On Call, Hearing Care Experts in Atlanta Want To Keep You Enjoying Music
Rocking out to loud music is a beloved pastime for many. Still, taking the necessary precautions to protect our hearing is important. Temporary hearing damage can turn into permanent damage over time, which can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.
At Audiology On Call, we are the hearing care experts in Atlanta and the surrounding areas for a reason. We are committed to providing convenient and affordable hearing services in the comfort of your own home or office. By protecting our hearing, we can continue to enjoy music without putting our ears at risk. After all, everyone needs to rock out every once and a while.
Contact Us Now or Call Us at (833) 244-3275 Today to schedule your hearing appointment!
