Hearing loss: Only so much noise your ears can take

POLOKWANE – In a busy world full of technology, gadgets and machines some might find it difficult to find a quiet space.

An unfortunate implication of living in a noisy society is that, due to some extreme noise levels, you can become permanently deaf. Hearing loss due to excessive noise is permanent and cannot be repaired with medication or surgery. It can only be corrected through the use of hearing aids to help restore hearing that has been lost.

Review spoke to audiologist Candice McConney about noise levels, your ears and Noise-Ban, a hearing protection device.

“A person is requested to wear Noise-Ban when noise levels reach 85dB(A) as sounds above this level are harmful. Workers exposed to occupational noise that is equal to 85dB(A) or higher are expected to wear custom Noise-Ban protection devices.”

People who may be regularly exposed to harmful noise at their jobs include construction workers, factory workers, mechanics, truck drivers, military personnel, police officers, firefighters and musicians.

McConney said there is no specific age to start wearing Noise-Ban. If a child accompanies someone to a shooting range, he or she is requested to wear shooter plugs.

“This will enable the user to hear ambient sounds from the environment while protecting the hearing against harmful loud sounds like a gunshot.”

There are four different filters to attenuate the sound when you wear a Noise-Ban device. The brown filter will attenuate 15dB, the white filter will attenuate 20dB, the yellow filter will attenuate 28dB and the black filter will attenuate 34dB.

“When using the brown filter, 15dB of sound entering your ear canal will be absorbed by the Noise-Ban. Noise exposure above 85dB(A) can cause damage to your ears. More especially if the exposure was eight hours or more. This will result in your hearing deteriorating faster with permanent hearing loss as a possible result.”