What are the characteristics of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL)?

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is characterized by a progressive decline in hearing ability, particularly affecting higher frequencies. This type of hearing loss occurs due to prolonged exposure to loud sounds, which can cause damage to the hair cells in the cochlea, specifically those responsible for high-frequency sound perception.

As these hair cells become increasingly damaged over time, individuals may notice a gradual loss of clarity in conversations, particularly in noisy environments, as well as difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds. This progressive nature of NIHL is in contrast to sudden hearing loss, which may occur due to other causes such as acoustic trauma or sudden loud noises.

Reversibility is not a characteristic of NIHL; once hearing cells are damaged, they cannot regenerate, making any loss permanent. The misconception that treatment can reverse NIHL overlooks the nature of the damage. Additionally, while children and adolescents can experience some forms of hearing loss due to noise exposure, NIHL is more commonly seen in adults who have had prolonged exposure to high noise levels, such as those in certain occupational settings. Thus, the distinct characteristic of NIHL being progressive and primarily affecting higher frequencies aligns with current understanding in audiology.