Noise is an unwanted sound that is unpleasant, loud, or disruptive. Other words for noise include buzz, cacophony, commotion, crash, cry, explosion, roar, or turbulence. Read more: What Is Noise? Or What Is Noise Pollution? Article
Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
QUESTION
What is hearing loss? See AnswerRelated Disease Conditions
-
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss (deafness) may be present at birth or it may manifest later in life. Deafness may be genetic or due to damage from noise. Treatment of deafness depends upon its cause. Sensorineural hearing loss can be caused by conditions affecting the cochlea, eighth cranial nerve, spinal cord, or brain. Examples of conditions that can lead to sensorineural hearing loss include Meniere's disease, noise-induced hearing loss, hearing loss of aging (presbycusis), nerve injury from syphilis, hearing loss of unknown cause (idiopathic hearing loss), nerve tumors, and drug toxicity (such as aspirin and aminoglycosides).
-
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss and Its Prevention
Noise-induced hearing loss may be an acoustic trauma, which causes temporary hearing loss, or it may be permanent due to an acute acoustic trauma. Experts agree that continual exposure to more than 85 dBs (decibels) is dangerous to the ears. Ear plugs and ear muffs can help prevent noise-induced hearing loss as well as decreasing exposure to loud noises.
Treatment & Diagnosis
Prevention & Wellness
- Inhaled Pollutants Go Directly From Lungs to Brain: Study
- Some Types of Air Pollution Are Even Worse for Your Health
- Pollution Killed 9 Million People Worldwide in 2019
- Cutting Pollution From Power Plants, Transport Could Save 50,000 U.S. Lives Each Year
- Western Wildfires Fueling Air Pollution During Summer Months
- California Can Set Tough Auto Emission Standards Again
- EPA Proposes Tougher Emission Standards for Big Trucks
- Lockdowns Cut Air Pollution, But Poorer Neighborhoods Benefited Less
- Air Pollution Can Harm Kids' Hearts for a Lifetime
Subscribe to MedicineNet's General Health Newsletter
By clicking Submit, I agree to the MedicineNet's Terms & Conditions & Privacy Policy and understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet's subscriptions at any time.