Symptoms, treatment, and potential for cure of noise-induced hearing loss? A comprehensive guide to choosing a hospital

Symptoms of noise-induced hearing loss begin like this

These days, there are really many people who listen to music or watch videos with earphones during their commute.
However, if at some point you frequently hear phrases like "my ears feel blocked," "I can't hear well," or "there's a ringing sound in my ears,"
You should consider the possibility that it might be noise-induced hearing loss.

Maybe at first, you might think it's just because you're tired.
However, if this continues to repeat or sounds like mumbling,
Especially when conversations become difficult in noisy places, it's not just simple fatigue.
It could be a warning that the auditory cells are beginning to be damaged.

The cause of noise-induced hearing loss that quietly develops

The cause of noise-induced hearing loss is literally 'noise'.
The problem is that this noise doesn't only occur in places like construction sites or concert halls.

The habit of listening to music loudly with earphones,
The habit of constantly turning up the headset volume while gaming,
Even in cafes or offices, continuous noise above 85dB can cause hearing damage.

Moreover, this is more dangerous when exposed to a certain level of sound for a long period, rather than a sudden loud noise.
If exposed to 85dB noise for 8 hours every day, hearing gradually deteriorates.

What are the symptoms of noise-induced hearing loss?

It hardly shows at first.
Hearing loss typically begins around the high-frequency range near 4 kHz, and when damage spreads to the commonly used speech frequencies (2 to 3 kHz),
Now, my speech is no longer clear, and I am experiencing tinnitus.

Tinnitus is when you hear a ringing or buzzing sound in your ear.
There are also cases that last for days, not just a few minutes.
This is extremely tiring and nerve-wracking.

Can noise-induced hearing loss be treated? Is it curable?

Unfortunately, noise-induced hearing loss is difficult to cure.
Hearing cells cannot regenerate once they are damaged.

Therefore, early detection and prevention are key.

The treatment ultimately aims to prevent further deterioration.

It involves wearing hearing aids or undergoing auditory rehabilitation training.
Avoid noisy environments, and wearing hearing protection devices is essential.

Can't it be done with medication?

There are no effective medications for noise-induced hearing loss in reality.
The fundamental cause is auditory nerve damage.
It cannot be resolved with common antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs.

However, supplements for tinnitus relief or improved blood circulation are also sometimes prescribed.
However, this is more of an auxiliary management rather than treatment.

What do you do when you go to the hospital?

In the ENT department, hearing tests and tinnitus severity assessments,
We conduct tests related to the function of the auditory nerve.

The basic procedures are similar regardless of the hospital, but
ENT clinics linked with hearing loss specialty clinics or hearing aid centers are more specialized in diagnosis and management.

Regular hearing tests are really important for early detection of noise-induced hearing loss.
Never get tired of regularly checking.

I'll honestly tell you about the costs and reviews.

Hearing tests are covered by insurance, so the burden is not significant.
When prescribing hearing aids, the cost can range from several hundred thousand won to over one million won.
There are cases where you can receive support when registering for long-term elderly care insurance or disability.

Looking at the reviews, most of them share the common story of "I didn't know at first."
Once you realize that hearing damage is irreversible after it occurs
That's when you realize you regret it.
So, please be careful in advance.

Conclusion: Let's start by lowering the volume of the earbuds currently in your ears.

Symptoms of noise-induced hearing loss can affect anyone.
Especially among the younger generation, the usage time of earphones is longer,
It is often necessary to be more cautious because people tend to become insensitive to sounds.

If you hear a ringing sound in your ear, don't just ignore it—go to the hospital.

Cure is difficult, but further deterioration can be prevented.
Once lost, hearing does not return.
Please reduce the volume immediately and give your ears a rest in noisy places.