We live in an increasingly noisy world. Prolonged exposure to noise is known to cause many detrimental psychological and physiological effects including fatigue, anxiety, depression, loss of concentration, reduced productivity, headaches and high blood pressure. When an individual is exposed to loud noise over time, the hair-like cells of the inner ear, called cilia, can be damaged, causing Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL). Hearing loss hinders personal communication, which can negatively affect social interactions and present a safety hazard.

Can NIHL be prevented?

NIHL is preventable. Everyone must understand the hazards of noise and how to practice good health in everyday life.

• Know which noises can cause damage (those above 85 decibels).
• Wear hearing protection when involved in a loud activity.
• Be alert to hazardous noise in the environment.
• Have a medical examination by an otolaryngologist and a hearing test by an audiologist.

Learn More

For more information on Noise Induced Hearing Loss, visit the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communications Disorders website at
http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/noise.asp

Read a white paper about Noise Induced Hearing Loss at http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000501/2749.html