Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Often, people tend to take their hearing for granted. Every day, we make a number of observations and deductions through listening to the noises around us. We listen to music, news, and conversations without really thinking twice about this capability. Although many individuals do not begin to lose their hearing until they become elderly, sometimes a very loud “impulse” sound or repeated exposure to loud noises may permanently inhibit one’s hearing at a young age. When this happens, the affected individual loses the ability to carry out many day-to-day functions.
The Causes of NIHL
Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), which is the technical term for damage done to the inner ear, is typically permanent. This type of injury can affect people of any age, and it is caused either by a one-time exposure to an intense impulse sound (such as a gunshot) or repeated exposure to sounds above85 decibels (such as loud traffic). Common sources of these sounds include the following:
- Firearms
- Firecrackers
- Riding a motorcycle or snowmobile
- Playing in a band
- Exposure to loud music
- Working with power tools
- Lawnmowers, leaf blowers, weed eaters, and other loud, outdoor appliances
Noise-induced hearing loss is a preventable disability. If you or someone you love has suffered exposure to a loud noise (or repeated loud noises) that caused them to fall victim to NIHL, then you may have the right to claim damages for such a terrible loss.
Contact Us
If you would like to learn more about noise-induced hearing loss, its causes, and its long-term effects, contact Jacksonville personal injury lawyer Donald Guthrie today at 904-296-1088 with any questions you may have.