Mürakahjustuse

Mürakahjustus refers to hearing loss caused by exposure to loud noise. This can occur from a single, extremely loud event, such as an explosion or gunshot, or from prolonged exposure to moderately loud noise over time, like working in a noisy factory or regularly attending loud concerts.

The damage typically affects the delicate hair cells within the inner ear, specifically the cochlea. These cells are responsible for converting sound vibrations into electrical signals that the brain interprets as sound. Once these hair cells are damaged or destroyed, they do not regenerate, leading to permanent hearing loss.

Symptoms of mürakahjustus can include a ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus), difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments, and a gradual or sudden loss of hearing. The severity of the hearing loss depends on the intensity and duration of the noise exposure.

Prevention is key to avoiding mürakahjustus. This involves limiting exposure to loud noises, using hearing protection such as earplugs or earmuffs in noisy situations, and maintaining a safe listening volume when using personal audio devices. Regular hearing checks can also help detect early signs of damage. There is no cure for mürakahjustus, but hearing aids can help manage the symptoms by amplifying sounds.