Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

BC Specific Information Message

Hearing loss is the reduced ability to hear sounds. It can occur at any age and can be a gradual or sudden loss. Hearing loss can have many causes. The part of the ear involved determines the type of hearing loss. Depending on the cause, hearing loss can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. For more information on hearing loss, see HealthLinkBC File #71a Hearing Loss in Children, and HealthLinkBC File #71c Hearing Loss in Adults. For more information on hearing tests for infants and children, see HealthLinkBC File #71b Hearing Tests for Infants and Children.

If you or your child is experiencing hearing loss symptoms or have questions about hearing loss, you can call 8-1-1 to speak with a registered nurse for advice anytime of the day or night, any day of the year.

Overview

Hearing loss caused by noise can occur in people of any age. Whether a noise is harmful depends on how loud it is and how long you're around it.

Noise can affect hearing in several ways.

On-the-job (occupational) noise is one of the most common sources of harmful noise. Construction and factory workers, or those in the military, might have this type of hearing loss.
A sudden, extremely loud sound can cause immediate, severe, and often permanent hearing loss. This type of injury often requires medical attention right away.
Loud sounds (like a rock concert) can cause a temporary ringing and hearing loss.
Repeated, frequent exposure to loud or moderately loud sounds over a long period of time (often years) can cause permanent hearing loss. These sounds include high-volume music and the noise of power tools, lawn mowers, household appliances, and vehicles.

How does noise-induced hearing loss develop?

To be heard, sound energy has to be strong enough to bend tiny hair cells in the cochlea, a part of the inner ear. The force of loud noise can damage these hair cells. A small amount of damage may have no effect on hearing. But with repeated exposure to noise, more of the hair cells are damaged, causing hearing loss.

Noise-induced hearing loss usually affects both ears. But one ear may be affected more than the other if you've had repeated, long-term exposure to a loud sound that always comes from the same direction. An example is gunfire that's always near the same ear.