What you think is normal may actually be four signs of noise damage

Do you often feel a buzzing in your ears? Are you used to noisy environments?

Noise pollution is everywhere, and it's quietly eroding our health! You may be exposed to noise without even realizing it .

These four signs may seem unrelated to noise, but they are precisely the warning signs of noise hazards!

Hearing loss, difficulty hearing others speak

Do you find yourself constantly needing others to repeat themselves or turning up the volume when watching TV? This could be an early sign of hearing damage from long-term exposure to noise! ​​Don't mistake "hard hearing" for a sign of aging; it could be a warning from the noise!

The World Health Organization's Global Report on Hearing Loss indicates that approximately 430 million people worldwide suffer from moderate or higher hearing loss due to noise pollution . A US NIOSH occupational noise study, tracking 12,000 workers over 20 years, found that 40% of those exposed to noise levels of 85 decibels or higher for eight hours per day experienced symptoms of "hearing but not understanding" (e.g., not being able to distinguish between "silk" and "poetry").

Tinnitus, ear pain, and strange noises in the ears

Tinnitus is a constant companion, like a cicada living in your ear . Short-term exposure to loud noise (like a two-hour electric drill) can cause temporary swelling of the cochlear hair cells, which can then recover. However, prolonged exposure can cause the hair cells to rupture and die , causing irreversible damage to the ear and leading to hearing loss .

The Lancet Neuroscience journal reported that when healthy subjects were exposed to 110 decibels (the sound of an electric drill) for 15 minutes , all developed tinnitus , with 30% experiencing tinnitus lasting for more than 24 hours. After 10 cumulative exposures , 78% developed chronic tinnitus, accompanied by a sudden drop in high-frequency hearing .

Irritability and mood swings

Short temper, easily getting angry over trivial matters; feeling distracted and unable to concentrate in noisy environments;

Noise not only harms the ears, but also affects the nervous system , causing mood swings, anxiety and even insomnia!

Experiments have shown that: 50 decibels of continuous noise (refrigerator humming) at night → activates the brain's amygdala → adrenaline surges → stress hormone cortisol increases by 27%, and deep sleep decreases by 40%.

Rapid heartbeat and unexplained increase in blood pressure

Palpitations, chest tightness, and even dizziness. Studies have shown that long-term exposure to noise increases the risk of cardiovascular disease!

Studies show that for every 10-decibel increase in noise , the risk of cardiovascular disease increases by 14% . Residents of areas exposed to aircraft takeoff and landing noise have a threefold increased risk of heart attacks. Sudden noise exposure (like a car horn) can cause a sudden spike in blood pressure by 30 mmHg.

The dangers of noise shouldn't be underestimated ! Starting today, pay attention to the noise environment around you and take effective protective measures: stay away from noise sources, reduce exposure time, and create a quiet and comfortable living and working environment.

Protect your ears = protect your health , start now!

Article forwarded from: Dr. Sheng