Loud music can cause temporary or permanent changes in your hearing.
Temporary threshold shifts
A temporary threshold shift is temporary hearing loss. You are likely to notice it as a temporary ringing or dullness in your hearing after you have been exposed to loud music. Your hearing may recover, normally within 24 to 48 hours. Remember that temporary ringing should act as a warning that you have exposed your ears to a higher level of noise than they are comfortable with. If you let this happen frequently then it is possible that the tinnitus or any dullness of hearing, or both, may become permanent. However, you may still be damaging your hearing even if you don’t have these symptoms. If you regularly get these symptoms, you should be taking steps to protect your hearing.
Permanent threshold shifts
If your hearing does not recover completely after about 48 hours, the remaining loss is considered to be permanent and you should visit your GP to get it checked out.
Tinnitus
Is the word for noises that some people hear 'in the ears' or 'in the head' - buzzing, ringing, whistling, hissing and other sounds that do not come from an external source.
Excessive exposure to loud noise is one of the commonest causes of tinnitus. Sometimes, tinnitus is the first sign that your ear has been damaged by noise and you may get tinnitus before there is any noticeable effect on your hearing. It can occur suddenly or very gradually and it can be temporary or permanent.
For lots of useful information about tinnitus visit the RNID website. If you would prefer to contact someone directly, you can call or email the RNID Tinnitus Information Line:
Telephone: 0808 808 6666 (freephone)
Textphone: 0808 808 0007 (freephone)
Email: tinnitushelpline@rnid.org.uk
Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL)
This happens when you have been regularly exposed to damaged levels of noise over a long period. The hearing loss will be similar in each ear and will get worse if you continue to exposure yourself to the noise.
Hyperacusis
This can develop after sudden exposure to very high sound levels. If you have hyperacusis you may find certain sounds uncomfortable or painfully loud when they don't bother other people. You may also find that the area around your ear is painful.
Read Chris Singleton's story on MySpace.
Acoustic trauma
This is unlikely to happen so someone at a gig or club, but as it is a hearing problem that can be caused by loud noise we thought we'd tell you about it. It may occur if you are exposed to a very loud noise for a short period of time, for instance if you are close to an explosion. The hearing loss would be sudden and is often more severe in the ear that was closest to the sound.
A hearing loss can have a big affect on the quality of your personal, social and working life. Everday activities such as watching TV, using a phone or even keeping up with a group converstaion can become difficult. This can lead to feelings of isolation and depression. Sometimes people withdraw from society rather than getting help for their hearing loss.
Some people who develop tinnitus or hyperacusis have said they felt stressed, frightened, anxious, unable to concentrate and frustrated because it feels like no-one else understands.
If any of this sounds familiar to you and you would like help, you can call RNID for lots of advice and information.
Telephone: 0808 808 0123
Email: informationline@rnid.org.uk