How the Ear Protects Itself from Loud Noises

Short term hearing loss after sustained exposure to loud noise does not reflect damage to our hearing. Research conducted by Professor Gary Housley of the University of New South Wales has found that the ear automatically protects itself when it's subjected to sudden loud noise exposure. As sound levels rise, the cells in the cochlea release a hormone that reduces its' hearing sensitivity. Professor Housley notes, "This is why we lose our hearing for hours or days after we have been exposed to a rock concert, for example. The [ear's] adaptation mechanism has been switched on." The ear has a "coping mechanism" that enables it to protect itself from sudden or acute loud noise exposure.

 

Researchers hope that these findings will lead to breakthroughs in understanding why some people are more susceptible to hearing loss with loud noise exposure. Another hope for this research is that it will help clarify why some people develop age-related hearing loss while others do not.

 

For more information on this research and the source of this article, click here.

 

 

Image provided courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net