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Continuous exposure to extreme noise can result in permanent hearing loss. Hair cells are sound receptors within the inner ear. Once they are damaged they cannot be restored.

An estimated 12.5 percent of children and adolescents aged 6 to 19 years (approximately 5.2 million) and 17 percent of adults aged 20 to 69 years (approximately 26 million) have permanently damaged their hearing due to exposure to loud noise at work or in leisure activities.

Sound is measured in units called decibels (des-uh-bels). The greater the number of decibels, the louder the sound and the more harmful it is to your ears. The sound thermometer image on the right gives an idea of how loud some sounds are. If you are exposed to sound at 85 decibels and above, it may harm your hearing.

Hearing loss can result from damage to structures and/or nerve fibers in the inner ear that respond to sound. This type of hearing loss, termed “noise-induced hearing loss,” is usually caused by exposure to excessively loud sounds and cannot be medically or surgically corrected. Noise-induced hearing loss can result from a one-time exposure to a very loud sound, blast, or impulse, or from listening to loud sounds over an extended period.

If experiencing any of the following symptoms on a regular basis, see a doctor:

• Asking people to repeat themselves.
• Hearing ringing, roaring, or hissing sounds after exposure to loud sounds.
• Noticing that the volume on the television or radio is not high enough.
• Straining to understand a conversation.

Doctors to see for hearing loss are:
OTOLARYNGOLOGIST – pronounced o-to-lar-en-ga-le-jist. The otolaryngologist is a medical doctor who may look into your ears, nose, and throat, and give you medicine or recommend that you go to an audiologist for a complete hearing evaluation or rehabilitation (special training).

AUDIOLOGIST – pronounced o-de-a-le-jist. The audiologist, a certified or licensed professional, may give you a complete hearing evaluation to measure your hearing abilities. If you have a hearing impairment, the audiologist will tell you how serious it is, what type it is, and what can be done to help you live with your hearing impairment. If you need it, the audiologist may recommend a hearing aid and help you select one.