What causes temporary deafness after exposure to loud sounds?

  • Medical
  • Thread starter Rohan Sahuji
  • Start date
In summary, exposure to loud and continuous noise can cause damage to the sensitive hair cells in our inner ear, resulting in noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). This can be temporary or permanent, and can be prevented by using hearing protectors such as earplugs or earmuffs.
  • #1
Rohan Sahuji
5
0
What is the reason behind deafness of human ear for a short time after hearing a sound of high and constant frequency?
 
Biology news on Phys.org
  • #2
Rohan Sahuji said:
What is the reason behind deafness of human ear for a short time after hearing a sound of high and constant frequency?
Here is the explanation.

What is noise-induced hearing loss?

The sound pathway
Every day, we experience sound in our environment, such as the sounds from television and radio, household appliances, and traffic. Normally, we hear these sounds at safe levels that do not affect our hearing. However, when we are exposed to harmful noise—sounds that are too loud or loud sounds that last a long time—sensitive structures in our inner ear can be damaged, causing noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). These sensitive structures, called hair cells, are small sensory cells that convert sound energy into electrical signals that travel to the brain. Once damaged, our hair cells cannot grow back.

Exposure to impulse and continuous noise may cause only a temporary hearing loss. If a person regains hearing, the temporary hearing loss is called a temporary threshold shift. The temporary threshold shift largely disappears 16 to 48 hours after exposure to loud noise. You can prevent NIHL from both impulse and continuous noise by regularly using hearing protectors such as earplugs or earmuffs.
continued...

http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/noise.asp
 
Last edited by a moderator:

FAQ: What causes temporary deafness after exposure to loud sounds?

Why do loud sounds cause hearing loss?

Loud sounds can cause hearing loss because they can damage the sensitive hair cells in the inner ear. These hair cells are responsible for converting sound waves into electrical signals that the brain interprets as sound. When exposed to loud sounds, these hair cells can become damaged or even die, leading to permanent hearing loss.

How loud is too loud for our ears?

The threshold for damage to our hearing is around 85 decibels (dB). Sounds above this level can cause harm to our ears, especially when exposed for a prolonged period of time. For reference, a normal conversation is around 60 dB, while a concert or sporting event can reach up to 120 dB.

What makes a sound deafening?

A sound can be considered deafening when it reaches a high decibel level that is above the threshold for hearing damage. Additionally, certain frequencies can also make a sound more deafening. High frequency sounds, such as those produced by sirens or alarms, are particularly damaging to our hearing.

Can loud sounds cause temporary or permanent deafness?

Loud sounds can cause both temporary and permanent deafness. Temporary deafness, or temporary threshold shift, occurs when the hair cells in the inner ear become fatigued from exposure to loud sounds. This can cause temporary hearing loss, but the hair cells can recover over time. However, with repeated exposure, permanent hearing loss can occur as the hair cells become damaged beyond repair.

Are some people more susceptible to hearing loss from loud sounds?

Yes, some people may be more susceptible to hearing loss from loud sounds due to various factors such as genetics, age, and previous exposure to loud sounds. For example, individuals with a family history of hearing loss may be more prone to damage from loud sounds. Additionally, as we age, our hearing naturally deteriorates, making us more vulnerable to hearing loss from loud sounds.

Similar threads

Back
Top