Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Q: Do I need one hearing aid or two?

If you have a significant hearing loss in both ears, you should be wearing two hearing aids. Here are the audiological reasons why: Localisation . The brain decodes information from both ears and compares and contrasts them. By analysing the miniscule time delays as well as the difference in loudness of each sound reaching the ears, the person is able to accurately locate a sound source. Simply put, if you have better hearing on one side than the other, you can't accurately tell what direction sounds are coming from. Less amplification required. A phenomena known as “binaural summation” means that the hearing aids can be set at a lower and more natural volume setting than than if you wore only one hearing aid. Head shadow effect. High frequencies, the part of your hearing that gives clarity and meaning to speech sounds, cannot bend around your head. Only low frequencies can. Therefore if someone is talking on your unaided side you are likely to hear that they are speaking, but be unable to tell what they have said. Noise reduction. The brain has it’s own built in noise reduction which is only really effective when it is receiving information from both ears. If only one ear is aided, even with the best hearing aid in the world, it will be difficult for you to hear in background noise as your brain is trying to retain all of the sounds (including background noise) rather than filtering it out. Sound quality. We are designed to hear in stereo. Only hearing from one side sounds a lot less natural to us.

Q: What are the benefits of rechargeable hearing aids?

For most people, the main benefit of a rechargeable hearing aid is simple convenience. We are used to plugging in our phones and other devices overnight for them to charge up. For anybody with poor dexterity or issues with their fingers, having a rechargeable aid makes a huge difference as normal hearing aid batteries are quite small and some people find them fiddly to change. One downside is that if you forget to charge your hearing aid, then it is a problem that can't be instantly fixed. For most a 30 minute charge will get you at least two or three hours of hearing, but if you are the type of person who is likely to forget to plug them in regularly then you're probably better off with standard batteries. Rechargeable aids are also a little bit bigger and are only available in behind the ear models. Finally, just like with a mobile phone, the amount of charge you get on day one is not going to be the same as you get a few years down the line. Be sure to ask what the policy is with the manufacturer warranty when it comes to replacing the battery.

Q: Are behind the ear aids better than in the ear aids?

For most people, the answer is yes. But it's never that simple. The majority of hearing problems affect the high frequencies a lot more than the low ones. Therefore open fitting hearing aids sound a lot more natural and ones that block your ears up can make your own voice sound like you are talking with your head in a bucket. Therefore in-ear aids tend to be less natural. However the true answer is we can't tell until we have had a look in your ears to assess the size of your ear canal, and until we have tested your hearing to see which frequencies are being affected. People with wider ear canals tend to have more flexibility, also there are open fitting modular CIC hearing aids now that do not block your ears. There is also the age old rule to consider, that a hearing aid will not help you if it's sat in the drawer gathering dust. If the only hearing aid you would be happy wearing is one that people can't see, then that's what you should get. Most people can adapt to any type of hearing aid, as long as they know what to expect. Have an honest conversation with your audiologist as to what your needs are.

Q: What are channels, and how many do I need?

Generally speaking, six or more. Unless it's none at all. The number of channels a hearing aid has is often a simplistic way an audiologist will use to explain why one hearing aid is better than another, but channels are complex and it is really not that straightforward. Hearing aids amplify sounds of different frequencies by different amounts. Most people have lost more high frequencies than low and therefore need more amplification in the high frequencies. The range of sounds you hear are split into frequency bands or channels and the hearing aids are set to provide the right amount of hearing at each frequency level. Less than six channels and this cannot be done with much accuracy, so six is the magic number. However, a six channel aid is typically very basic with few other features and is suitable only for hearing a single speaker in a quiet room. The number of channels is not what you should be looking at, it's more the rest of the technology that comes with them. As a final note, different manufacturers have different approaches. One method is not necessarily better than any other. For example some manufacturers have as many as 64 channels in their top aids. Most tend to have between 17 and 20. One manufacturer has no channels at all.

Q: Where can I get the hearing aids covered?

Hearing aids are easily lost, misplaced or damaged and typically are one of the most expensive personal possessions an individual can own. We offer hearing aid warranty cover for £80 per year per aid. Find out more here

Q: How much does the hearing test cost?

All our audiologists use the very latest technology and provide the full range of tests to accurately measure your hearing for free. Find out about what we offer all our customers here

Q: Do home visits cost extra?

Hearing Aid UK offers all their customers free home visiting services and home visits for hearing aids - Including hearing tests, fittings, maintenance, check-ups and much more in the comfort of your own home and at your convenience. Find out more information here

Q: How come you're much cheaper than other places?

Here, at Hearing Aid UK, we are dedicated to offering low hearing aid prices. We achieve this by having no head office and low marketing costs. Our hearing aid prices are amongst the lowest you will find anywhere in the world.

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

What is noise-induced hearing loss and can it cause permanent damage?

Noise-induced hearing loss affects millions

Noise-induced hearing loss occurs when loud sounds damage the inner ear's hair cells, leading to permanent hearing impairment. Common causes include prolonged exposure to loud music, machinery, or sudden explosive noises.

Symptoms include difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds and understanding speech. Prevention involves using ear protection in noisy environments.

In this article, we will discuss the causes, effects, and preventive measures of noise-induced hearing loss. Learn how to protect your hearing and manage existing noise-induced hearing loss.

What is noise-induced hearing loss?

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is an increasingly common condition affecting millions worldwide. Imagine leaving a loud concert with your ears ringing and struggling to hear conversations clearly the next day. This temporary experience can become permanent with repeated exposure to loud noises.

Noise-induced hearing loss occurs when exposure to loud sounds causes damage to the inner ear, specifically the hair cells within the cochlea. Loud noises can overstimulate and damage these hair cells.

Unlike other cells in the body, hair cells in the inner ear do not regenerate, meaning any damage is permanent. Repeated exposure to high-decibel sounds accelerates the loss of these cells, leading to hearing impairment.

The physiology of hearing and noise-induced hearing loss

How can loud noise damage my hearing? To understand NIHL, it’s important to understand how normal hearing functions. Sound waves enter the ear and travel through the ear canal to the eardrum, causing it to vibrate.

These vibrations are transmitted through the ossicles in the middle ear to the cochlea in the inner ear, where hair cells convert them into electrical signals sent to the brain. When these hair cells become damaged, such as by loud and persistent noises, the signal is interrupted and our hearing suffers.

Causes of noise-induced hearing loss

NIHL is primarily caused by prolonged exposure to loud noises. This can occur in various settings, including workplaces with heavy machinery, concerts, and even through personal audio devices like headphones.

Both continuous or sudden intense noise can lead to the deterioration of the delicate structures in the ear.

Is noise-induced hearing loss permanent?

Unlike other forms of hearing impairment, NIHL can be both temporary and permanent. Temporary hearing loss usually recovers after a few hours or days, while permanent hearing loss results from sustained damage to the hair cells, which do not regenerate.

noise induced hearing loss

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

How is noise-induced hearing loss diagnosed?

What are the signs of noise-induced hearing loss?

The early signs of NIHL often include tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and difficulty understanding speech, especially against background noise. People may also experience a muffled sound perception, where sounds seem less clear and distinct. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to progressive and irreversible hearing loss.

Can an audiologist diagnose noise-induced hearing loss?

Yes, audiologists diagnose NIHL through a series of hearing tests that measure the ability to hear various frequencies and volumes. Common tests include pure-tone audiometry, speech recognition tests, and otoacoustic emissions testing, which assess the functioning of the hair cells in the cochlea.

Noise management and how to protect your hearing

What can I do to protect my hearing? Reducing exposure to harmful noise levels can help protect your hearing. This could involve strategies such as:

Taking breaks from noisy environments,
Using noise-cancelling headphones,
Keep your music volume levels low, especially when using headphones, and don’t ignore your phone if it gives you the audio levels are too high warning!

Quick prevention tips: What type of hearing protection is available?

Earplugs: Disposable or reusable earplugs can reduce noise levels significantly. If you are working in a loud environment custom-moulded earplugs can provide a better fit, and therefore more effective noise reduction.
Ear protectors: Over-the-ear protection that can be worn alone or in conjunction with earplugs for double protection in extremely loud environments.

Are you at risk of noise-induced hearing loss in the workplace?

What health and safety measures should be taken in noisy environments? Statistics show that occupational hearing loss is a significant issue, with many workers experiencing some degree of hearing impairment over their careers.

Certain professions have a higher risk of NIHL due to constant exposure to loud noises. These include construction workers, musicians, and factory workers.

If I work in a noisy environment does my employer need to supply ear protection?

Yes, if you work in a noisy job, your employer is legally required under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations (2005) to protect your hearing, which includes ensuring you have proper hearing protection.

Employers must assess and document noise levels at the workplace, and if exposure reaches 80 decibels (dB), they are obligated to act.

In noisy environments like construction or manufacturing an indication of high noise levels includes needing to shout to communicate with someone two meters away.

Employers must also provide hearing protection in jobs involving loud sounds through headphones such as in music venues or theatres.

noise induced hearing loss

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Treatment and Symptom Management

What should I do if I am diagnosed with noise-induced hearing loss?

While no cure exists for permanent NIHL, hearing aids can help manage the condition

If you think you have noise-induced hearing loss or are showing the symptoms, an audiologist can test your hearing, and let you know the level of damage and whether it is permanent or temporary. They will also recommend the best hearing aids for your condition, lifestyle, and hearing needs.

As well as using hearing aids, there are small, easy, daily adjustments you can make, follow our tips below to aid communication and improve quality of life.

Tips for living with NIHL

If you have been diagnosed by your audiologist with NIHL, the first step will be to start using hearing aids. Hearing aids can amplify sounds, filter background noise, and make communication easy again.

If you have lost certain frequencies due to noise and are suffering from low-frequency hearing loss or high-frequency hearing loss, the hearing aids can be programmed to suit your personal hearing needs and restore sound at the frequencies lost. Other tips include:

Face the person you're speaking with.
Reduce background noise where possible, for example, if you are struggling to hear at work request a designated quiet space for one-to-one meetings.
Use visual cues to improve communication.
Assistive listening devices, such as for your TV, and smartphone apps can also improve your quality of life by giving you more control over your hearing.

You can also download the white paper about noise-induced hearing loss from The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine by clicking on the green button below.

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Conclusion

Understanding the causes, effects, and preventive measures of noise-induced hearing loss is essential for protecting your hearing.

By taking proactive steps to reduce noise exposure and seeking early intervention, you can prevent damage.

If you have symptoms of noise-induced hearing loss, we will have an audiologist near you who can asses your hearing and support you.

Common FAQs about hearing aids and hearing loss

Is this the best model for me?

If you are looking at this page then it is likely that an audiologist has suggested that you purchase this particular hearing aid, so is this the best model for you?

In general, any audiologist will always be recommending to you the model that best suits your needs. Here is a useful check list to make sure that is the case.

Audiologist level of knowledge. The audiologist you have seen will hopefully have a wide knowledge of all available hearing aids, however some will only be familiar with a small number of brands and therefore may not really be in a position to know which model is the best for you. It is OK to challenge their recommendation and ask them to justify why this particular brand is the one for you.
Do research. Read about the hearing aid that was recommended. Does it seem like it will suit your lifestyle? Does it have more or less features than you need?
Be aware of sales targets. Many high street retailers have specific tie-ins to a particular manufacturer/brand. The hearing aid they have suggested may still be the correct one for you, but do your research so that you know why they might have recommended it.

If in doubt, feel free to give us a call. That's what we're here for.

Do I need one hearing aid or two?

What are the benefits of rechargeable hearing aids?

Are behind the ear aids better than in the ear aids?

What are channels, and how many do I need?

Where can I get the hearing aids covered?

How much does the hearing test cost?

Do home visits cost extra?

How come you're much cheaper than other places?

Understanding Noise-Induced Hearing Loss: What is it? Causes, Prevention & Management

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

What is noise-induced hearing loss and can it cause permanent damage?