Noise-induced hearing loss is a common and preventable form of hearing loss that occurs as a result of exposure to loud sounds. Whether from occupational noise, recreational activities or everyday environments, prolonged exposure to excessive noise can damage the delicate structures of the inner ear and lead to permanent hearing loss. Here are some prevention and treatment strategies for this type of hearing loss, as well as how hearing aids Omaha may help!

Prevention strategies

The best way to prevent noise-induced hearing loss is to protect your ears. Here are some tips!

Use hearing protection

When exposed to loud noise, such as at concerts, sporting events or construction sites, wear earplugs or earmuffs to reduce the intensity of sound reaching your ears. High-fidelity earplugs are available that preserve the clarity of sound while still providing protection.

Limit your exposure to loud noise

Whenever possible, limit your exposure to loud noise by staying away from noisy environments or using sound-absorbing materials to reduce noise levels in your surroundings.

Take breaks

If you're exposed to loud noise for an extended period, such as when using power tools or attending a concert, take regular breaks to give your ears a chance to rest and recover.

Monitor noise levels

Use smartphone apps or noise monitoring devices to measure the intensity of sound in your environment and avoid prolonged exposure to noise levels above 85 decibels.

Treatment strategies

Below are some treatment options that can help with noise-induced hearing loss.

Early intervention

If you suspect you may have noise-induced hearing loss, seek prompt evaluation and treatment from an audiologist or hearing healthcare professional. Early intervention can help prevent further damage and improve treatment outcomes!

Tinnitus management

Many individuals with noise-induced hearing loss also experience tinnitus, a ringing or buzzing sensation in the ears. Tinnitus management strategies, such as sound therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy, can help alleviate tinnitus symptoms and improve quality of life.

Cochlear implants

In cases of severe or profound noise-induced hearing loss, cochlear implants may be considered as a treatment option. Cochlear implants bypass the damaged hair cells in the inner ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve, enabling individuals to perceive sound signals.

Hearing aids Omaha

For individuals with mild to moderate noise-induced hearing loss, hearing aids may be recommended to amplify sound and improve communication abilities. Modern hearing aids are equipped with advanced features to enhance speech clarity and reduce background noise.

Selecting the right hearing aid for noise-induced hearing loss

It’s essential to choose devices that can effectively address the specific challenges associated with this type of hearing loss. 

Frequency response

Individuals often experience reduced sensitivity to mid-frequency sounds, while their ability to hear low and high-frequency sounds may remain relatively intact. Look for hearing aids with customizable frequency response settings that can amplify mid-frequency sounds to compensate for hearing loss in this range.

Noise-reduction

Opt for hearing aids equipped with advanced noise reduction algorithms that can suppress background noise and enhance speech intelligibility, especially in challenging listening situations like restaurants, parties or workplaces with high levels of ambient noise.

Directional microphones

Directional microphones help focus on speech coming from the front while reducing sounds from the sides and rear. This can improve speech understanding in noisy environments and enhance overall listening comfort.

Feedback cancellation

Feedback or whistling sounds can be a common issue with hearing aids. Look for hearing aids with feedback cancellation technology that can effectively eliminate feedback and provide a clear, distortion-free listening experience.

Customization

Every individual's hearing loss is unique, so it's essential to choose hearing aids with customizable settings that can be tailored to your specific hearing needs and preferences. Work closely with your audiologist to adjust the settings of your hearing aids and optimize their performance based on your personal requirements.

Contact us

Noise-induced hearing loss is a preventable and treatable condition, but it requires awareness, vigilance and proactive measures to protect your hearing. By adopting hearing protection strategies, monitoring your noise exposure and seeking timely treatment when needed, you can safeguard your hearing health and enjoy a lifetime of clear and vibrant hearing. Contact us today to learn more about the hearing aids Omaha we offer!