A hearing loss can be temporary or permanent depending on the duration of the noise exposure and the susceptibility of the individual to noise damage. Threshold shifts can be permanent or temporary. Asymptotic threshold shift can determine whether a loss is temporary or permanent. If noise exposure is inevitable, something must be done to try to prevent hearing loss. Current research focuses on the use of conditioning or drugs to lower susceptibility to hearing loss.
Most people use hearing protection when in noisy environments.
All types of hearing protection are not created equal, however, and care must be taken to use the right tool for the right job. Click here for some information on common noise sources and what you can do to protect yourself from hearing loss. Many may find that hearing aids can help them in some listening situations. Hearing aids do not restore normal hearing, however, and prevention should still be the main focus. Individuals with hearing loss can have a great deal of difficulty in daily life.