Manufacturing is a big deal in Katy. We have metal fabricators, farming, machine shops and so much more. With a town so focused on manufacturing, it’s crucial to stay educated about how these noisy industries affect our auditory health.
Approximately 11% of manufacturing workers have tinnitus—the presence of a ringing or buzzing in the ears with no external source (Centers for Disease Control, 2024). Let’s take a look at how noise exposure can lead to tinnitus and what you can do to prevent it.
How Does Noise Exposure Cause Tinnitus?
Long-term exposure to sounds over 85 dB can lead to inner ear (sensorineural) hearing loss. While it’s difficult to pinpoint precisely why hearing loss and tinnitus often go hand in hand, current research suggests that the lack of auditory input can change the auditory structures of the brain.
When loud noise damages the inner ear, the brain doesn’t receive its usual sound signals. In response, the brain’s hearing centers change how they work. These changes happen because of something called neural plasticity, which is the brain’s ability to adapt. Unfortunately, the changes cause neurons (brain cells) to fire independently, even though no sound is coming in. That may be what creates the phantom sound people with tinnitus hear.
Can I Reverse Noise Damage?
The inner ear has tiny hair cells that send auditory information to the brain. When you spend too much time around loud noise, these hair cells get overworked, often leading to damage or death. Unfortunately, when these hair cells die, they can’t grow back.
Because noise-related hearing damage is permanent, noise protection is vital to hearing loss and tinnitus prevention.
How Can I Protect My Hearing?
Luckily, while noise-related inner ear damage is permanent, it’s also preventable. Katy’s manufacturing and farming companies can protect their workers by offering earmuffs and earplugs for all work environments exceeding safe limits (85 dB averaged over eight hours).
You should also schedule regular hearing safety meetings to ensure your workers have up-to-date information.
What if My Work Doesn’t Provide Hearing Protection?
All businesses are OSHA-mandated to provide hearing protection if their environment exceeds safe limits. You can use the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Sound Level Meter App for iOS devices to check noise levels in your workplace. If the noise is too high, inform your company managers and request hearing protection.
Schedule a Tinnitus Evaluation
If you’re experiencing ringing in the ears, contact Today’s Hearing today to schedule a tinnitus evaluation with one of our specialists.