Exposure to Noise
Hearing loss is painless and gradual. It usually develops over several years - you might not even notice the loss during those years.
Tinnitus
Sometimes, overexposure to loud noise can trigger phantom noise such as ringing, humming, roaring, or other sounds in your ears.
Tinnitus Treatment
The condition is called tinnitus, and it may be a symptom of damaged hearing caused by repeated loud noise, infections, medications, or earwax.
There are two kinds of tinnitus:
- Subjective tinnitus is the condition in which only you can hear the phantom noise. This is the most common type of tinnitus. It can be caused by outer, middle, or inner ear problems, or by problems with the hearing (auditory) nerves.
- Objective tinnitus is the condition in which the person examining you can hear the noise. This type of tinnitus is rare and caused by blood vessel problems, a middle ear bone condition, or muscle contractions.
To know if noise has damaged your hearing, have a hearing examination that is conducted by a certified audiometric technician, audiologist, otolaryngologist, or physician.
If you answer "yes" to any of the following questions, your hearing may be at risk:
- Do you frequently ask people to repeat sentences?
- Do you think your hearing is worse than it was 10 years ago?
- Have family members noticed a problem with your hearing?
- Are you exposed to loud noise without hearing protection where you work?
- Do you have to shout to a co-worker because of the noise around you?
- Are you exposed to noise from firearms, motorcycles, snowmobiles, power tools, or loud music without hearing protection?
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-7. If an audiologist cannot hear the ringing in your ear, you are most likely suffering from _____.
You forgot to answer the question!