Noise Induced Hearing Loss

What is noise induced hearing loss?  Well, it can be described as the permanent impairment to hearing over time after being exposed to loud noises.  Everyday there are noises around us that do not damage our hearing because they are at a safe level.  However, exposure to higher levels for long, or possibly even short amounts of time can be very detrimental to ones hearing.  Things that are everyday noises that are at safe levels to our hearing are things like house hold appliances use to clean or cook, music (at a moderate volume), traffic noises like cars driving down the street, and also sounds from the television.  Obviously some of these things can be harmful to ones hearing at high levels, but there are many things that are automatically harmful to ones hearing and that can cause noise induced hearing loss quickly.  Some if these things include loud concerts, hearing an explosion, shooting targets and hunting, listening to music through headphones at high volumes, and using lawn equipment like leaf blowers and lawn mowers.  You can get some data on decibel levels on the website http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/pages/noise.aspx and also on this website you can see what decibel levels are safer levels than others.  Also, if you want to learn more about the ear, this website has a diagram of the ear and I have also posted a picture of the ear on my blog.  How can noise induced hearing loss, or NIHL, be prevented?  There are many things you can do, according to the website http://american-hearing.org/disorders/noise-induced-hearing-loss/#whatis .  Obviously the number one thing, try and avoid loud noises.  Other things include wearing hearing protection like earplugs and earmuffs to lower the sound intensity.  I hope this blog was helpful in describing what noise induced hearing loss is and what can cause it and also how it can be prevented.