Damage to the structures or nerve fibres of the ears and/or
the brain caused, for example, by illness, physical trauma or natural aging,
may result in hearing loss. It is,
therefore, important to be aware of the many different factors that can cause
such damage.
Here I have listed a few:
- Illness such as
measles and meningitis may cause damage to the auditory nerve or cochlea.
- Chemicals such as lead, some solvents and some
asphyxiants, may damage the cochlea with
lesions.
- Some medications,
for example Aminoglycoside antibiotics and salicylates (aspirin), can
cause damage with prolonged use.
- Trauma, including
punctured ear drum from foreign objects, fractures of the temporal bone and
knocks to the head, can cause temporary or permanent damage depending upon the
severity.
- A blockage or
deformity in the middle ear can prevent the bones from vibrating properly.
However, noise is the cause of about half of all cases of
hearing loss and noise damage in young people today is of particular concern.
How noise-induced hearing loss occurs:
Permanent damage to your hearing can happen very quickly with
exposure to loud noises such as fire arms.
Any sounds above 90 decibels
are extremely dangerous. So, sustained exposure to anything as loud as even a lawnmower could
cause serious damage.
Listening to
music on headphones can be very bad for your hearing. In fact,
listening to loud music on headphone can be one of the quickest ways to cause
serious, permanent damage.
How to avoid noise damage:
If the noise is above 85db make sure you
turn it down or wear ear protectors.
If you go to concerts or nightclubs wear earplugs and don’t stand
near to the speakers.
Lower the volume of your stereo/TV etc.
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