subject: Can A Hearing Aid Help Improve Loss From Recreational Noises? [print this page] Some people may eventually need a hearing aid due to circumstances that could have been prevented. If you are like many people, you didn't listen to your parents and turn down the music. Perhaps you went to a lot of concerts when you were younger. You may have enjoyed playing in a band or performing in crazy stunts that put your ability to hear at risk. You did not know it then. You did not think these fun activities could cause you any problems. You likely didn't believe your parents. However, now, with a significant loss of the ability to hear, you may be wondering what you can do about it.
What Are Recreational Noises?
Unlike occupational noises, which stem from a loud work environment, some people need a hearing aid because they have been subjected to ongoing, loud recreational noises. There are many forms. In short, they are sounds that are too loud or continuous that lead to some level of hearing loss.
For example, you may like to put your headphones in and listen to music. That's not a risk factor unless you turn the volume up too high. You may enjoy riding a motorcycle. The act itself is not a problem unless you are not using any type of protection on your ears. Snowmobiling, loud vehicles, and listening to loud music are all instances in which the sounds are simply too loud to prevent loss.
Why Does This Happen?
Loud sounds pass through the ear and into the ear canal. The inner ear works to take these sounds, interpret them, and then sends messages through nerve cells to the brain to tell the brain what you are hearing. When sounds are too loud, though, it becomes very difficult for this level of communication to occur. There is damage to the small hairs in this area or to the nerve cells themselves. This damage occurs as the result of loud sounds.
What Can Be Done?
There is no way to reverse this type of loss. However, with the help of a hearing aid, you may be able to get some of the sound back. Keep in mind that this depends on how severe the loss is. In some cases, it may not be possible to improve it enough.
If you wish you would have listened to the advice and turned down the radio, now is a good time to talk to your doctor. A hearing aid can be an ideal option for those who simply need a bit of help enhancing the sounds around them. Talk to your doctor about your options.
