In today’s fast-paced world filled with loud music, traffic, construction, and electronic devices, noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is becoming increasingly common. Whether you’re exposed to loud environments occasionally or daily, protecting your ears is essential. But while most people know about earplugs and volume control, few realise that ear wax plays a surprisingly important role in hearing protection.
NIHL occurs when the tiny hair cells in the inner ear are damaged by excessive sound levels. This damage can be sudden (after a loud blast) or gradual (from long-term exposure to noise above 85 decibels).
Common sources include:
Unfortunately, once hearing is damaged, it doesn’t come back. That’s why prevention is key.