Acoustic Trauma

May 5, 2017

What is acoustic trauma? If you’re unsure, chances are you are lucky as you have been unaffected. Acoustic trauma is when the inner ear has been damaged by high-decibel noise, either by a single loud exposure or constant exposure to a lower volume noise, over a long period of time. This may also be caused by a head injury if the eardrum happens to erupt or other inner ear damages occur. 

In today’s world, we are constantly exposing ourselves to an amplified sound environment. Earbuds, cell phones, loud concerts, nightclubs, work environments etc., are all examples of high-decibel noise that can cause damage to our eardrums. The eardrum is very important, as it not only protects the middle and inner ear, it is also responsible for transmitting sounds to our brains by vibrations. Acoustic trauma can damage the way these vibrations are translated to our brains, resulting in hearing loss. 

How can you prevent acoustic trauma? In many cases, people work in an environment where high-decibel noise is unavoidable. Fortunately, there are measures put in place, such as earplugs, to protect workers-and they should be taken seriously. Limit yourself to the level and duration of the noise, try not to turn up the volume on earbuds to drown out surrounding noise, take frequent breaks from being on the telephone or playing music.  As acoustic trauma can also occur due to a head injury, use the necessary precautions to keep yourself safe and head protected.

Can acoustic trauma be treated? Hearing loss can be treated by the use of hearing aids, however reversing the damage or curing hearing loss is impossible. Even with hearing aids in place, organic sounds and hearing cannot be fully restored. Protecting your ears and limiting your exposure to daily high-decibel noise can help maintain and preserve your hearing.

Contact us, at Academy Hearing to get your hearing tested and learn more on how to prevent hearing loss today!