Did you know that hearing loss is the most commonly reported workplace injury? Yes! Approximately 360 million people worldwide are affected by hearing loss, which is caused by a variety of factors, ranging from a perforated eardrum or a malformation in the ear to allergies or an ear infection.
However, one of the most common causes of hearing loss is exposure to loud noise, also known as noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). This kind of hearing loss can be caused by either a loud, intense burst of noise or frequent exposure to loud noise over a long period.
Our ears consist of three components: the outer ear (pinna and ear canal), the middle ear (three ossicles and the eardrum), and the inner ear (cochlea). As a result, all three of these components must function in harmony to be able to hear. Sound is funneled down the ear canal by the pinna and hits the eardrum, causing the eardrum and three ossicles to move. This then sets the fluid in the inner ear into motion, causing the hair cells to move. Sound is turned into electrical impulses and sent to the brain.
When there is exposure to loud noise, the cochlea, which houses the hair cells, can die, and permanent hearing loss can occur. These hair cells are programmed to a different pitch. The hair cells at the bottom of the cochlea are programmed to hear high-pitched sounds, while the hair cells at the top of the cochlea are programmed to hear low-pitched sounds. Noise-related hearing loss initially affects the high pitches on a hearing test, as these are at the bottom of the cochlea and the ones first damaged.
Sadly, people of all ages are affected by noise-induced hearing loss, particularly now with the combination of continuous earbud use and loud music. This is why people who work in loud, noisy environments need to learn more about work-related hearing safety and what can be done to help avoid any long-term hearing loss.
Ear muffs are an effective way to protect one’s hearing in loud and noisy environments. Ear muffs can decrease the intensity of sounds that enter the ear canal and, as a result, can prevent tinnitus, a condition characterized by a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears that is frequently caused by exposure to loud noises. Tinnitus can be very distressing and can impact one’s quality of life which is why adequate awareness is needed to prevent it.
In commemoration of World Hearing Day, we are promoting ear and hearing care, increasing awareness of hearing loss, and urging action to alleviate hearing loss and related problems.
Medbury Healthcare is here to assist employers who wish to provide quality ear muffs and other hearing protection equipment for their employees. Businesses, hospitals, and government parastatals can procure durable safety ear muffs that are excellent for ear protection from Medbury Healthcare.
To commemorate World Hearing Day, Medbury healthcare is currently offering a discount on Audiometry Hearing Test. Visit any of our life check centers to take a test for as low as N8, 000.
We take great pride in our client-focused approach and excellent customer service.
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