Enjoy Summer Concert Season Right

By the Better Hearing Institute

With at least another month-and-a-half left of summer concert season, we thought it would be a good time to remind music lovers to pack the earplugs. It’s an easy and smart way to make sure you can enjoy those tunes for years to come.

Bringing earplugs to that next concert is more than a good idea, it should be a must, says the Better Hearing Institute (BHI). Millennials and teens especially should think twice about music volume because data show that hearing loss is on the rise in these age groups, which means they’re permanently losing some of their hearing at younger ages.

But take heart. Earplugs really can help. One study, carried out in conjunction with an outdoor music festival in Amsterdam last fall, found that festival-goers who wore earplugs were roughly five times less likely to have some temporary hearing loss than those who didn’t wear them. The earplug-users also were less likely to suffer from tinnitus afterwards.

Any sounds at or above 85 dBA for a prolonged period of time can be unsafe. The sounds at that Dutch music festival were at 100 decibels, pretty consistently, for 4-and-a-half hours. At that sound level, hearing damage can occur in just 15 minutes.

Luckily, earplugs are pretty easy to come by. Disposable earplugs, made of foam or silicone, usually can be found at local pharmacies. They’re practical because you can still hear music and conversation when they’re in your ears. But when they fit snuggly, they’re effective in adequately blocking out dangerously loud sounds.

The impact of noise on our ears

We hear sound when delicate hair cells in our inner ear vibrate, creating nerve signals that the brain understands as sound. But just as we can overload an electrical circuit, we also can overload these vibrating hair cells. Loud noise damages these delicate hair cells, resulting in sensorineural hearing loss and often tinnitus (ringing in the ears). The cells that are the first to be damaged or die are those that vibrate most quickly—those that allow us to hear higher-frequency sounds clearly.

Warning signs of too much noise

If you have to shout over the noise to be heard by someone within arm’s length, the noise is probably in the dangerous range. Here are the warning signs:

• You have pain in your ears after leaving a noisy area.

• You hear ringing or buzzing (tinnitus) in your ears immediately after exposure to noise.

• You suddenly have difficulty understanding speech after exposure to noise; you can hear people talking but can’t understand them.

Repeated exposure to loud noise, over an extended period of time, presents serious risks to hearing health.

The content for this blog post originated in a press release issued by The Better Hearing Institute on July 19, 2016.

Summer Is a Time for Play (and Protection)

By Morgan Leppla

“The best offense is one that does not trigger any defense,” says Daniel Gilbert, Ph.D., a psychology professor at Harvard University.

Gilbert says humans are not hardwired to think long term. When people don’t see a threat as immediate, they are not inclined to take action to mitigate it. This psychological phenomenon is why it’s easy to forego protective measures that’ll make a difference in the long run, especially during one of the most fun-filled times of the year: SUMMER!

With its blaring tunes and crackling fireworks, it makes sense that summer excitement distracts us from remembering the permanent effect of noise on our ears. Loud sounds are more insidious than one might expect. This is in spite of the fact that noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) can happen at any age, to any race, gender, etc. Hearing loss from all causes is a growing epidemic, affecting nearly 50 million Americans.

Sound volume, length of time listening, and repeated exposure to loudness all can lead to NIHL. One extremely loud sound can cause it, but so can exposure to softer (but still dangerous) sounds over an extended period. To put that into tangible terms, a single loud sound may be a shotgun going off right next to you, while sounds that may damage hearing more slowly are repeated exposure to heavy city traffic, music listened to at a high volume using earbuds, or even regular use of a hairdryer!

So, with all of these potential threats to hearing, what is there to do?

Here is the trinity of protection: WALK away from loud sounds, BLOCK loud sounds with ear protection, and TURN the volume down (when you can control it). These simple actions can have a major impact on your long-term hearing health.

Walk, Block, and Turn!

By Maggie Niu

April 27 is International Noise Awareness Day (INAD), a day dedicated to encouraging people to “do something about bothersome noise where they work, live, and play.”

Every day in our environment we experience sound, whether it’s pleasant, like music, or bothersome, like sirens. Unpleasant or unwanted noisy environments can be dreadful; not only can noise increase our stress level and inhibit us from carrying out daily tasks, but also in the long run overexposure to noise can damage our hearing. This is known as noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). All too often, we become immune to the constant hum of traffic (about 85 decibels, or dB) and noisy subway stations (95 dB). The Safe and Sound safe listening levels chart, on the left, details the effects of various decibel levels on our ears.

There are two causes of NIHL. One is impulse noise, a one-time exposure to a loud sound such as an explosion. This can cause temporary and/or permanent hearing loss. The other cause of NIHL is continuous exposure to loud noise. This type of hearing loss happens gradually over time.

NIHL affects our inner-ear hair cells (the cells that help us hear) as well as the auditory or hearing nerve. Not only can this type of hearing loss be permanent, it can also lead to tinnitus. Tinnitus is hearing a constant ringing, buzzing, or roaring without an external sound source. It can be in one or both ears and often occurs with hearing loss.

Now the question is: How do we protect ourselves from NIHL? It can be as easy as remembering to Walk, Block, and Turn! Walk away from loud sounds. Block noise by wearing earplugs or other hearing protective devices. Turn the volume down on stereos and personal music devices. If you work in a noisy environment, take proper measures to protect your ears by wearing ear plugs or ear muffs. Being able to hear is important for daily interactions and often taken for granted until it's too late.

To learn more about Hearing Health Foundation's Safe and Sound program, please email development@hhf.org.

7-Day Challenge for Better Hearing Health

By Maggie Niu

In honor of National Public Health Week kicking off April 4, Hearing Health Foundation has seven challenges for you to complete over the course of next week, all related to hearing loss and hearing prevention. Help us celebrate by completing our list of challenges below and sharing your experiences in with us in the comments.

On your mark… get set…GO!

Day 1: Make an appointment to get your hearing tested!

It is important to have your ears tested at least once a year, especially if you are experiencing any buzzing or ringing in your ears or unable to hear clearly. Don’t hesitate to make an appointment: Early intervention is key for preventing further damage.

Here is a directory for audiologists from the Academy of Doctors of Audiology. It is super-easy and quick to find an audiologist close to you. Simply type in your zip code and the radius you are willing to travel and bing, you have your list of audiologists.

Day 2: Reduce the volume on personal music devices to under 70% of the maximum.

We all know that unwanted noise is a nuisance so we try everything in our power to drown it out—either by turning up the volume of the music we're listening to, or talking louder. In the long run, does it benefit our hearing health? The answer is no.

Noise-induced hearing loss can occur gradually over time by listening to loud music or being exposed to loud environmental noises. We can’t always control ambient noise, but we can control personal earphone volume. Next time you are using your earphones on a high volume, remember that you are damaging your ears!

Day 3: Plan a fundraiser to help us find a cure for hearing loss and tinnitus.

Need some ideas? See examples of past events and ideas for creating your own event. Individuals, companies, organizations, sororities, and fraternities of all sizes have joined in our efforts, and we hope you will too!

Day 4: Keep a journal of the foods you eat and note the loudness of the environment you’re in. You may be surprised at what you find.

Noise can affect many things. It can cause stress and affect our mood, but would you believe that noise can affect your palate? A Cornell University study found, "…that in an environment of loud noise, our sense of taste is compromised. Interestingly, this was specific to sweet and umami tastes, with sweet taste inhibited and umami taste significantly enhanced," said Robin Dando, an assistant professor of food science. "The multisensory properties of the environment where we consume our food can alter our perception of the foods we eat."

Day 5: Eat this! Incorporate certain nutrients into your diet for optimal hearing health.

Now we know that noise can affect the taste of food we eat, but are there foods that can help our ears? Check out these five nutrients that can prevent or delay hearing loss. 

• Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D: Usually found in fish, both can have positive effects on hearing loss. Studies have shown that adults who ate fish twice a week had a 42% lower chance of facing age-related hearing loss than non-fish eaters.

  • Recipe idea: Grilled Salmon and Zucchini with Red Pepper Sauce
    

• Antioxidants and folic acid: You can find this in spinach, beans, broccoli, asparagus, eggs, nuts and liver. They can reduce the number of free radicals in your body, which can damage the nerve tissue in your ears.

  • Recipe idea: Skinny Taco Stuffed Peppers.
    

• Magnesium and potassium: Bananas, potatoes, artichokes, and broccoli are rich in magnesium and potassium. Magnesium can protect you from noise-induced hearing loss. Potassium is responsible for regulating the amount of fluid in your body.

  • Recipe idea: Creamy Garlic Pasta with Shrimp and Vegetables.
    

• Zinc: Zinc can be found in dark chocolate and oysters. It is important to include zinc because it boosts the body’s immune system and is responsible for warding off germs that cause the common cold and ear infections.

  • Recipe idea: Baked Oysters with Wild Mushroom Ragout.
    

• Vitamins C and E and glutathione: Vitamin C and E can increase your overall health by reducing the chance of getting an ear infection. Vitamins C and E can be found in vegetables and in fruit. Glutathione is made naturally by the liver and is found in fruits, vegetables, and meat.

  • Recipe idea: Pomodoro Pasta with White Beans and Olives.

Day 6: Use everyday technology to enhance your hearing health. 

Take control of your hearing health with the technology you use daily: download a sound level meter on your smartphone or tablet to measure the decibel levels. In our Winter 2015 Hearing Health magazine, we listed apps that were vetted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and they include: NoiSee by Noise Lab ($1), Noise Hunter by Inter•net2day ($6), and SoundMeter by Faber Acoustical ($20). These apps were cited as providing the most accurate A-weighted sound level measurements.

Other apps include: The Jacoti ListenApp, where you can test your hearing via earphones, and the LesserSound App, which allows the user to take sound readings and record the location from where the noise was recorded. 

Day 7: Share your story!

Share your story about living with hearing loss, tinnitus, or other hearing conditions and how it has affected you via our online scrapbook, blog, or magazine. Inspire others who are touched by similar conditions so that we can help raise awareness about the prevalence of hearing loss and other hearing disorders as well as our research to find better treatments, therapies, and ultimately a cure.

You can share your story by emailing us at info@hhf.org. It can be on ANYTHING related to hearing loss, tinnitus, or other hearing related conditions, such as funny stories, personal experiences, tips for our readers, or hearing health. If you would like to contribute but find that you're having writer's block, email us anyway! We're HEAR to get you through it! (Pun intended.) 

These are just some tips and advice that can help your hearing and the broader hearing health community. For any additional questions please contact your audiologist, email us at info@hhf.org, or visit our website.

Childhood Hearing Loss: Act Now, Here's How!

By Maggie Niu

Childhood hearing loss is a (rapidly) growing epidemic. A study performed by the World Health Organization (WHO) found that 60 percent of childhood hearing loss is preventable. If left untreated, the child can experience many health issues such as delayed language development and academic underachievement as well as social isolation, which can lead to depression, poor self-esteem, and a higher risk of injuries. These are unfortunately just a few of a much larger list of consequences.

The WHO estimates infections account for 31 percent of hearing loss cases. (Genetic and other causes account for 40 percent). Many infections that cause hearing loss can be prevented through vaccinations against such diseases as the mumps, measles, rubella, and meningitis. Although ear infections do not have a direct vaccine, the influenza shot can help in the prevention ear infections, another cause of hearing loss. Only 4 percent of childhood hearing loss is related to the use of ototoxic (toxic to the ear) medicines in expectant mothers and newborns.

To help prevent and care for childhood hearing loss, the WHO suggests these strategies: strengthen the child's immune system through vaccinations; implement better and more wide-spread early-intervention programs; train healthcare providers on how to better care for those with hearing loss; make hearing devices more readily accessible; push for legislation that regulates and restricts the sale of ototoxic medicines and environmental noise as well as implements standards for safe listening; and raise public awareness around the need for ear and hearing healthcare and programs worldwide.

Preventing hearing loss is a challenging task. However, there are already a few programs in action to help us out. In the U.S., thanks to Universal Newborn Hearing Screening legislation, which HHF was instrumental in establishing, 94 percent of newborns are tested for hearing loss before leaving the hospital, compared with just 5 percent in 1995! There are two tests that are currently available, both are reliable, and they can be used either separately or together. In the optoacoustic emissions test, a soft foam earphone and microphone are placed in the ear. The hearing specialist plays various sounds and measures the response. For the auditory brainstem response test, noninvasive electrodes are placed on the baby's head to detect auditory nerve responses to sounds the hearing specialist plays.

Hearing loss can be devastating for a child as well their family. Not being able to hear can affect all aspects of life, but learning how to prevent and to care for hearing loss can change a child’s life. In addition to the WHO’s “Childhood Hearing Loss: Act Now, Here’s How!”, here are HHF resources on children and hearing loss: 

• Ages and Stages: A speech-language pathologist discusses the process of verbal communication.

• Tips for Hearing Well In the Classroom: Tips on how to work with a child’s teacher to implement a hearing regimen.

• Visual Learning, Visual Teaching: Everything in life has a silver lining, even hearing loss.

• "Listen to Me, Right Now!": What to do if your child doesn’t respond to repeated entreaties—especially when you’re not facing him or her.

• New Beginnings: Advice from parents for parents for how to prepare for the 1st day of school when your child has hearing loss.

• The Dangers of iPod Use: Answers to common questions about hearing protection for children and teens.

Examining the Relationship Between Race and Hearing Loss

By Emily Shepard

February is Black History Month, a time dedicated to celebrating achievements and spreading awareness about issues that affect the African-American community.  

With this in mind, we want to publicize the prevalence of hearing loss among black Americans: Nearly two million have a hearing impairment.1 However, research suggests that the odds of hearing loss are substantially lower for blacks than those who are white.2  Epidemiologic studies of large populations have found that the rate of hearing loss is 40 to 60 percent lower in black individuals compared with white individuals.3 While the basis for this connection remains largely unknown, research has identified a potential biological influence. 

In the study “Association of Skin Color, Race/Ethnicity, and Hearing Loss Among Adults in the USA” by Frank R. Lin, M.D., Ph.D., et al., the authors examine the degree to which skin tone is correlated to hearing loss. The authors argue that melanocytes, which produce the melanin pigment that determines skin color, are present in both the skin and cochlea. Increased melanin in the inner ear may help protect the cochlea against age-related cellular declines and hearing loss in darker-skinned individuals. Differences in noise exposure or in genetic determinants may also factor into the connection between race and hearing loss.4

These findings support the idea that race and hearing loss may be connected. For their study, Lin et al. relied on the Fitzpatrick scale to classify skin types. This scale uses the skin’s tendency to burn and tan to differentiate skin tone. For example, it says that if one always burns and never tans, they are likely to have pale white skin. If someone never burns, they are more likely to have deeply pigmented dark brown to black skin.5 The authors found that darker skin color as assessed by Fitzpatrick skin type was independently associated with better hearing thresholds in black and Hispanic individuals. On the other hand, race and ethnicity were not associated with hearing thresholds after stratification by skin color. The authors argue that these results “serve as preliminary evidence that skin color is independently associated with hearing loss,” and that skin color “may mediate the strong association between race and hearing loss observed in previous epidemiological studies.”6

Nonetheless, it is necessary to remember that although black individuals are at less of risk to experience some form of hearing loss, they are not exempt from it. The role of melanin as it relates to hearing loss is likely to be perceived similarly to its relationship to skin cancer. A Washington Post article titled “Many Blacks Are Unaware of a Skin Cancer That Primarily Affects Dark-Skinned People” explains that those with darker skin tones produce more melanin overall, and that since melanin helps block damaging ultraviolet rays, people of color have greater protection against skin cancer than whites.

But the Washington Post article works to dispel the belief that melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is a “white person’s disease.” Melanoma is indeed much more common in whites (1 in 50) than in African Americans (1 in 1,000). However, research from the American Academy of Dermatology reports that the five-year survival rate for African Americans with melanoma is 73 percent, compared with 91 percent for Caucasians. In addition, acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM) is a rare form of skin cancer that primarily strikes people of color. The disease affects areas of the body that have less pigment and receive less exposure to the sun, such as the soles of the feet, and are areas that are more likely to be ignored. ALM can be lethal; reggae musician Bob Marley died from ALM in 1981 at age 36.7

It is important to recognize that things that seem improbable are not impossible. Even if your race or ethnicity decreases the chance that you will contract a form of hearing loss, the best way to ensure healthy hearing is to take protective measures.

HHF strives to spread the word about how you can protect your hearing.

HHF is also committed to finding a cure for the millions of Americans who currently experience hearing loss or tinnitus. 

Donate today to help us make a difference.  

1. “How the African American Community Deals with Hearing Impaired Individuals: A Qualitative Analysis Using Social Learning Theory”- 2012- By Lakeisha O’ Neil

2. Lin, Frank R. et al. “Association of Skin Color, Race/Ethnicity, and Hearing Loss Among Adults in the USA.” JARO: Journal of the Association for Research in Otolaryngology 13.1 (2012): 109–117. PMC. Web. 21 Dec. 2015.

3. Lin FR, Thorpe R, Gordon-Salant S, Ferrucci L. Hearing loss prevalence and risk factors among older adults in the United States. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2011; 66:582–590. doi: 10.1093/gerona/glr002.

4. Lin, Frank R. et al. “Association of Skin Color, Race/Ethnicity, and Hearing Loss Among Adults in the USA.” JARO

5. Fitzpatrick TB. The validity and practicality of sun-reactive skin types I through VI. Arch Dermatol. 1988;124:869–871. doi: 10.1001/archderm.1988.01670060015008.

6. Lin, Frank R. et al. “Association of Skin Color, Race/Ethnicity, and Hearing Loss Among Adults in the USA.” JARO

7. https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/many-blacks-are-unaware-of-a-skin-cancerthat-primarily-affects-dark-skinned-people/2014/08/04/14164ada-e68a-11e3-afc6-a1dd9407abcf_story.html

How Society Treats Hearing Loss

By ConsumerAffairs

According to the National Institutes of Health, about 3 of every 1,000 children are born with a detectable level of hearing loss, and around 30 million Americans over age 12 have disabling hearing loss. However, only about 20% of the people who could benefit from hearing aids use one.

By themselves, those statistics are unsettling. However, compared to the fact that 75% of U.S. adults use some sort of vision correction, they highlight the stark differences in how society treats hearing loss versus a similar disability like vision loss.

Price

According to the Better Hearing Institute, 68% of people with hearing loss cite finances as the main reason for not using hearing aids.

Availability

While glasses have been adopted as must-have fashion accessories for NBA players and presidential hopefuls alike, hearing aids are still lacking in aesthetic options.

Accommodations

Don't count on your favorite hotel or restaurant offering a pair of complimentary hearing aids if you leave yours at home.

At work and school

Untreated hearing loss is proven to affect children's attention and comprehension in classroom lectures, and adults with untreated hearing loss lose as much as $30,000 in salary and wages annually.

In social settings

Kids with hearing loss struggle in social situations, and their difficulty interacting or following along in conversation is often mistaken for aloofness.

In relationships

The say communication is the key to any good relationship, but communication can be challenging for hearing impared individuals, especially in a relationship with a person with normal hearing.

According to the World Health Organization, 360 million people worldwide are hearing disabled. Hearing loss is a major public health issue, the third most common after arthritis and heart disease. Yet because we can’t see hearing loss, only its effects, many mistake it as aloofness, confusion, or personality changes. To learn more about how hearing aids can help with hearing loss, and to find the one that’s right for you, check out ConsumerAffairs' Hearing Aids guide.

Receive updates on life-changing hearing research and resources by subscribing to HHF's free quarterly magazine and e-newsletter.

How Hearing Loss and Tinnitus Affect Our Veterans

By Emily Shepard

Today is Veterans Day. The holiday is important not only because it honors our soldiers, but also because it is a time to raise awareness about their experiences on and off the battlefield. Hearing loss is a major health issue for soldiers, both active duty personnel and veterans. Any form of hearing loss can be detrimental to soldiers on duty, as the ability to hear signs of danger and to communicate with fellow soldiers is crucial for mission success and, more importantly, survival. According to the U.S. Department of Defense’s Hearing Center of Excellence (HCE), a whopping 60% of veterans have returned home with hearing loss or tinnitus over the last decade.

The Fall 2015 issue of Hearing Health magazine focused on hearing loss and tinnitus among U.S. military service members and veterans. In “Tuning Out the Noise,” Ashleigh Byrnes explains that tinnitus is one of the most prevalent injuries among veterans.  The number of veterans diagnosed with service-connected tinnitus is estimated at 1.5 million. According to Byrnes, persistent tinnitus can be “described as noise that prevents sleep or the ability to concentrate” and may “leave patients more vulnerable to other mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety.” Luckily, there are treatment methods, new and old, that can ease the symptoms of tinnitus. 

Sound therapy, long regarded as one of the most successful ways to treat tinnitus, has been practiced for more than 30 years. Between 60-90% of patients report relief from their symptoms using this method. Another option is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which may include the use of relaxation or distraction techniques, or altering the way patients think about their symptoms. Those who try sound therapy or CBT may be able to cope with tinnitus with more positive outcomes.

When it comes to hearing loss, soldiers are at an increased risk. They are susceptible to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) due to exposure to loud machinery and explosions on a constant basis. In combat, soldiers are often exposed to sudden noises, such as from an improvised explosive device (IED) or other similar weapons, which are difficult to predict and prevent against.  These sudden noises can result in temporary hearing loss and put military personnel at risk. However, the word “temporary” should be approached with caution. Repeated short-term hearing loss can damage the sensitive hair cells in the inner ear, causing hearing loss that becomes permanent.

With an inability to grow back, inner ear hair cells, when they are damaged or die, can lead to permanent hearing loss. HHF is actively working to reverse this trend. Researchers funded by HHF’s Emerging Research Grants program (ERG) discovered that birds have the ability to spontaneously re-grow inner ear hair cells after they are damaged and restore their hearing—unlike mammals. Through HHF’s Hearing Restoration Project (HRP), a consortium of top hearing scientists is working to translate this finding to the human ear. The HRP’s goal is to regenerate inner ear hair cells in humans and permanently restore hearing to those affected by hearing loss, such as soldiers and veterans. The HRP researchers have made significant strides in this research and have been working hard to find meaningful answers, which you can read about here.

To learn more about hearing loss and tinnitus, please visit our Veterans’ Resource Page.

Your support helps us continue this extraordinary research.

Celebrate Veterans Day and honor our troops by donating today.

How Hearing Loss Affects Other Aspects of Your Health

By Patricia Sarmiento

A few years ago, my dad began experiencing hearing loss. He worked in loud factories all his life. And while in recent years he began wearing ear protection, I think there were many days on the job where he didn’t use any. As he grew older, all that time without ear protection took its toll.

Prior to his experiences with hearing loss, I must admit that I didn’t know much about it. As he began going through the necessary steps, like getting fitted for hearing aids, I began to look into how hearing loss can affect our overall health. Here’s what I found:

Falls: This was my first area of concern when my dad’s hearing loss was diagnosed. I knew that our ears play an important role in our balance. However, I was surprised to see how significantly one’s chances of falling increased with their hearing loss. WhittierHearing.com cites a study that found that even just mild hearing loss meant you were “three times more likely to have a history of falling.” Of course, the older someone is the more dangerous these falls can be. My dad was lucky in that his hearing loss didn’t ever seem to affect him in this way. But if you have a loved one who has fallen or is experiencing balance issues, get their hearing checked!

Depression. We actually began suspecting that my dad was experiencing hearing loss long before he began seeking treatment for it. I think he was simply too proud to admit that he was having problems. We had to repeat ourselves to him and sometimes at family gatherings he would withdraw altogether. It was when he stopped going to his weekly Men’s Breakfast at our church that we knew something was going on.

While my dad received treatment before his hearing loss really began to take a toll on his mental health, I can definitely see how it could lead to depression. People experiencing hearing loss may experience poorer quality of life, isolation and reduced social activity.

Dementia. Through my research, I found out that in older adults there is a connection between hearing loss and dementia and Alzheimer’s. Those with mild hearing impairment are nearly twice as likely to develop dementia compared to those with normal hearing. The risk increases three-fold for those with moderate hearing loss, and five-fold for those with severe impairment. It isn’t yet clear what causes the connection, but the article says some researchers believe it may result from those with hearing loss straining “to decode sounds,” which may take its toll on the brain.

So, what can you do to protect your hearing? I’d like to suggest going for a swim. Here’s why: This guide on swimming and heart health notes what an excellent cardiovascular and full body workout swimming can be. That’s important because there have been many studies showing a connection between heart health and hearing. Yet another reason to be sure you’re getting plenty of exercise!

Patricia Sarmiento loves swimming and running. She channels her love of fitness and wellness into blogging about health and health-related topics. She played sports in high school and college and continues to make living an active lifestyle a goal for her and her family. She lives with her husband, two children, and their Shih Tzu in Maryland.

See our Hearing Health story, “Have a Hearing Loss, Have Another Health Issue?” for more information about health conditions associated with hearing loss.

Does noise stress you out?

By Kathi Mestayer

Yes, it does.  In fact, noise stresses most people (and even many animals). 

But what is noise? My favorite definition is in the glossary of “Sound Matters,” a 2012 publication of the General Services Administration’s (GSA) Public Buildings Service:

“Noise: Any undesired sound.”

So, if noise is undesired, it’s not that surprising that it’s stressful, right? In an article in Noise and Health, “Is There Evidence That Environmental Noise Is Immunotoxic?,” the author, Deepak Prasher, doesn’t mince words: “It is clear that noise is a stressor. The physiological response to noise as a stressor is no different from any other nonspecific physical stressor.” So, how does noise stress us out?

Danger! Danger! Warning! Warning!

Noise triggers a stress response in the amygdala, a region of the brainstem. Our amygdala learns, over time, what sounds might signal impending danger. When one is detected, the amygdala triggers a release of cortisol (a stress hormone) and an involuntary startle reaction. In his book, The Universal Sense: How Hearing Shapes the Mind, neuroscientist Seth Horowitz explains, “The auditory startle circuit is a very successful evolutionary adaptation to an unseen event. It lets us get our bearings and get the hell out of there, or at least widen our attention to figure out what the noise was.”

Cortisol affects us in many ways. According to Prasher, “In the acute stress reaction to an immediate threat, the secretion of stress hormones results in increased heart rate and blood pressure, a rapid release of energy in the bloodstream, reduced metabolism with a decrease in salivary and gastrointestinal activity, reduction in sex hormones, and activation of some immune functions.”

Over time, stress (often from transportation and industrial noise) can be particularly toxic. “This model of reactivity in terms of noise-induced stress has been implicated in the development of disorders of the cardiovascular system, sleep, learning, memory, motivation, problem-solving, aggression, and annoyance,” Prasher writes. If you think you’re getting used to that highway noise, think again.

Hearing loss and noise

So, people with hearing loss must be less sensitive to noise, right? Unfortunately, no—less hearing doesn’t mean higher noise tolerance. Research has been done on noise sensitivity and whether it correlates with a person’s audiogram. Here’s a summary of findings from the 2012 issue of Noise & Health:

“In the study of Stansfeld (1992), no significant differences were found in noise sensitivity between those with normal threshold of hearing and those with threshold impairment according to pure tone threshold audiometry. Likewise, Ellermeier et al. (2001) found no significant differences between two groups of low and high noise sensitivity in threshold levels, intensity discrimination, auditory reaction time or exponents for loudness functions. Our finding that the average hearing thresholds did not differ in noise sensitive and non-noise sensitive subjects is in concordance with previous studies.”

Anecdotally, this matches my audiologist’s observation that noise sensitivity is not correlated with our degree of hearing loss. “I always have to do a ‘sudden noise’ test with every person whose hearing aids I program before they leave my office. I can never predict who’s going to jump out of their skin and who’s not,” she says. 

In case you’re wondering, I jumped.

Staff writer Kathi Mestayer serves on advisory boards for the Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and the Greater Richmond, Virginia, chapter of the Hearing Loss Association of America. This is adapted from her reader-sponsored work, “Be Hear Now."