What Makes Exposure to Loud Noise Cause Tinnitus?
Constant exposure to loud noise is known to be one of the causes of tinnitus. Some people may wonder on what exposure to loud noise has to do with tinnitus.
Let me explain it in a simple way. A ringing in the ear can only happen if there is a problem in the head, neck, or ears. Ear problems are oftentimes related to hearing problems.
It is a common misconception that when our ears are exposed to loud noise our ear drums would explode. Loud noise can never have the power to damage our ear drums. The only thing that can cause damage or perforation to the ear drums are direct injury and ear infections.
So what power does loud noise bring into our ears that it can cause us hearing damage? Very tiny and sensitive hair cells are located in our cochlea in the inner ear. These hair cells are responsible for receiving sound signals and delivering it to the brain for interpretation. Every time that we listen to loud music or unintentionally get exposed to loud noise, the hairs cells vibrate. The louder the noise or music, the more severe the vibration is.
Every time the hair cells vibrate, it gets damaged. It is able to recuperate if it does not get vibrations continuously. However, a tremendously loud noise like that coming from loud explosions can cause the hair cells to be damaged permanently in a single exposure. Also, constant listening to loud music and constant exposure to loud noise can damage the hair cells permanently as it is not given enough time to recuperate.
Damaged hair cells result to hearing loss and this is where tinnitus sets in. Tinnitus is a symptom of hearing problems when the brain fails to get sound signals from the ear as a result of any form of hearing loss.
Now that you know how loud noise and loud music can be a factor to hearing loss, do yourself a favor by listening to music at a regular volume and protecting your ears from noise.
