Noise Induced Hearing Loss
There are two main hearing problem outcomes due to being in combat: noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus. Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) is caused due to extreme exposure to loud noises.This is a side effect of a sensorineural hearing loss, which is a lifelong impairment. High frequency noises can often distort human speech even though it can be heard. Sometimes it is difficult detecting the difference between words that sound similar. You may have a feeling of "fullness" in your ears after leaving a noisy environment. Ways you may develop a NIHL is from shooting firearms, explosions, aircraft engines, etc. Tinnitus is commonly known as "ringing of the ears" and heard differently by others. It is a symptom of the problem. The NIHL may not be the only problem in this case. It could also be a brain injury, brain tumor, medication, middle ear disease, and can occur with or without a hearing loss. There was 75,000 cases of auditory impairments among new recipients of VA compensation in 2003.
With this being said, please take into consideration the following information on prevention. NIHL is almost completely preventable. People can vary in their susceptibility to hearing loss. While research has shown some trends, there currently is no way to tell which individuals may be more susceptible than others. Different types of hearing protection include: wearing earplugs or earmuffs, avoid loud environments, if possible, keep volume down on electronics, and to let ears rest after loud environments.
Thank you for reading our blog on the hearing process and how to protect and serve your ears! Thank you for your service to our country!
Resources for additional information can be found at the following links:
AARP
Jefferson University
Hearing Center of Excellence
Mayo Clinic Health
Veterans Health
Institute of Medicine
News21
Better Hearing Institute
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