Noise-Induced deafness is deafness that is caused by exposure to noise. Exposure to noise is one of the most common causes of hearing loss. Tinnitus may also occur due to loud noise. Tinnitus is hearing sounds that aren’t there such as a ringing in the ears.

Noise-induced hearing loss can occur suddenly due to a loud noise, also called auditory trauma. Examples of an auditory trauma are noises from an explosion, firecrackers, or gunshot. Sometimes, the trauma caused by an explosion or other sudden loud noise causes deafness that is not due to the noise itself, but due to the sudden change in air pressure. Auditory trauma can rupture the eardrum. A perforated eardrum often heals without medical treatment. Severe cases may need to be surgically repaired.

Hearing loss from noise rarely happens suddenly. Usually, there is a gradual loss of hearing. Noise-Induced hearing loss can also occur gradually due to lifetime exposure to noise. Age-related hearing loss is a gradual decrease in hearing ability often due to lifelong noise exposure.

Industrial hearing loss is noise-induced hearing loss caused by noise in an industrial setting. This type of hearing loss is most common in people who work in industrial settings with excessive noise. Protective gear such as earplugs are strongly recommended to protect the hearing of people who work in noisy environments.

Workers in other fields are at risk of noise-induced hearing loss. Occupational hearing loss is common among firefighters and musicians. Some manufacturing settings have excessive noise that can put the workers at risk for hearing loss.

Some people may not realize the danger of loud noise. Loud music as is common at rock concerts has been known to cause hearing loss. Considering that even a long exposure to normal noise levels can cause age-related hearing loss, habits or activities that cause exposure to loud noise can increase the risk or severity of the hearing loss that the person may experience later in life. The onset of hearing loss in someone who participates in activities in a noisy environment can be sooner than the onset of common age-related hearing loss.