Loud Music Is Doing A Number On Your Ears – Hearing Loss In Mesa

Music has an uncanny ability to affect people. Music can move you to dance and lift you from sad spirits. It can relax you after a long day of work or convey the exact thought you couldn’t find the words to share. Individuals with music training have been found to have an improved verbal IQ and visual ability. Music has even been found to treat heart disease by lowering blood pressure and reducing anxiety. However, if you’re not careful, music can also be harmful. Individuals who listen to music at loud volumes can experience what is known as sensorineural hearing loss. Hearing loss occurs when the inner ear, known as the choclea, or the nerve pathways within the inner ear become damaged over time. The degradation is gradual and painless but is also irreversible. Anything louder than an alarm clock, which emits 80 decibels (dB), is considered to be a damaging volume and will degrade an individual’s hearing over time. Excessively loud music is particularly damaging and can occur through headphones at max volume, at approximately 105 decibels, or at a concert, which is typically at 110 decibels. What are the symptoms of noise-induced hearing loss? Hearing loss caused by excessive noise can often be a gradual and painless process so it’s often difficult to notice signs of hearing loss in Mesa. Exposure to excessive volume can cause tinnitus, a ringing in the ears, which typically subsides. This should be viewed as a warning that you are damaging your ears. Some individuals even experience a slight feeling of pressure within the ear. Eventually, individuals may notice their hearing becoming muffled or distorted or a need to increase the volume on the television or ask people to repeat themselves multiple times. What can be done to prevent noise-induced hearing loss? Noise-induced hearing loss is arguably the most preventable of hearing degradation cases. Anytime you plan to attend a venue in which loud music will be played, wear earplugs to protect your hearing. Earplugs are rated to various decibels so be sure to find the appropriate earplugs. If a child is present, earmuffs may be a better choice for them since their ears are much smaller. For musicians, special vented earplugs can be used that don’t distort perception. In-ear monitors can also be used to protect the musician’s hearing while allowing them to still hear their own music. Plexiglas baffles can also be used to dampen sound created by louder instruments, particularly drummer’s high-hat cymbals.  What kinds of treatments exist for noise-induced hearing loss? If you are experiencing the early signs of hearing loss you can prevent future hearing loss by avoiding loud noises and wearing hearing protection devices. If you have more excessive hearing loss, Dr. Fynes may recommend a hearing aid to amplify sound. While there is no cure for complete hearing loss, it is a strong air of research and investigational treatments are constantly being discovered. You can still enjoy the wonders of music without damaging your hearing by taking basic preventative measures. If you would like your hearing tested for potential hearing loss or would like more information, please contact Dr. Cassandra Fynes of Fynes Audiology. Our staff is hear to answer any questions you may have.