what did you say? Noise, Ears and Hearing Protection

What did you say? is a famous question nowadays !!

There is many reasons make us ask this question ,DO you know why?

Fact: One in 10 Americans has a hearing loss that affects his ability to understand normal speech. Excessive noise exposure is the most common cause of hearing loss.The two most common types of hearing loss that occur in adults are SENSORINEURAL and CONDUCTIVE.Sensorineural hearing loss is the result of damage to the inner ear and accounts for over 90% of hearing loss in adults. This type of hearing loss is generally permanent.

Causes of Sensorineural hearing loss include:

• Deterioration of hair cells due to exposure to loud sounds or aging
• Deterioration of nerves pathways that transmit signals to the brain, most commonly caused by a tumor pinching the nerves
• Trauma to the head
• iInfection that reaches the inner ear
• Heredity

Sensorineural hearing loss that is irreversible– and unnecessary is caused by loud, sudden noises and are more damaging to hearing than regular and extended exposure to loud sounds over a period of time

It is generally thought that loud noises in excess of 90 decibels are harmful to hearing over prolonged exposure. Using the correct ear protection can prevent needless and permanent damage to hearing.

Conductive hearing loss occurs when there is damage or blockage in the outer or middle ear, preventing sound from traveling normally through the ear canal to the inner ear. This type of hearing loss can often be corrected.

Causes of Conductive hearing loss include:

• Fluid build up, often due to ear infection
• Ear wax
• Perforated ear drum