Noise Induced Hearing Loss

Noise induced hearing loss is caused by exposure to loud noises. This can happen gradually or all at once from a very loud noise like an explosion. The explosion may cause temporary deafness or it may make it more difficult to hear permanently. People who work around loud equipment or who play in rock bands may suffer from noise induced hearing loss. Usually the symptoms come on gradually and people may not recognize them soon enough to stop the damage. Generally people who suffer this type of hearing loss do not become totally deaf.

Noise induced hearing loss may be able to be treated through the use of a hearing aid or other listening device. Since many people do not go totally deaf from this type of hearing loss they do not often become active in the deaf community or fully embrace deaf culture. However they may benefit from deaf education and the advancements the deaf community has made to make it easier to communicate in a primarily hearing world.

If you are diagnosed with a noise induced hearing loss, your doctor can recommend different methods of treatment. The level of deafness that you sustain will determine your best options. If you have a profound deafness you may consider receiving a Cochlear implant. This will require training to adjust to the new way that you hear. You may also want to get involved in the deaf community and learn some basic lip reading and sign language skills. However if you are not totally deaf, you may not feel that it is necessary to learn about deaf culture, particularly since you are an adult.

Deaf education makes it possible for young children who are deaf to function in a hearing world, and many deaf people have benefitted from the extensive therapy and interventions. However most adults who go deaf later in life do not find that they fit into the deaf culture as well because they still consider themselves hearing. It can be difficult to find yourself in this position. Deaf people are generally friendly and open and will welcome you to any community meetings if you are respectful of their condition. It may be worth looking into if you are still having a difficult time communicating and connecting with others.

Noise reduced hearing loss can be a difficult diagnosis to receive. The hearing loss does vary. However this condition may raise awareness of what deaf people and the deaf education system deal with each year. It is important to understand the communication difficulties that a hearing loss can cause. It is important to be aware of each individual’s needs so you can help people feel included and active.