Pathophysiology
Chronic exposure to loud noises can lead to noise-related hearing loss. It is typically a sensorineural hearing loss as we damage the inner hair cells of the ear.
Exposure to loud noises causes oxidative stress on these hair cells which are the neuroepithelial cells of the cochlea. This leads to apoptosis and thus there is no neurotransmission through the cochlea.
🔍 Investigations
History
- History of hearing loss
- Exposure to loud noises (due to vehicles, work tools, hobbies, social life etc.)
Audiometry:
- An audiogram will show bilateral sensorineural hearing loss at higher frequencies. ⬅️ This will show as a decline on the audiogram at ~4kHz region.
🧰 Management
Ultimately it is preventative measures that need to be taken such as limiting the exposure to loud noises and using hearing protection when possible.
We can treat it using hearing aids to improve hearing.