Abstract
Long-term noise exposure often results in noise induced hearing loss (NIHL). Tinnitus, the generation of phantom sounds, can also result from noise exposure, although understanding of its underlying mechanisms are limited. Recent studies, however, are shedding light on the neural processes involved in NIHL and tinnitus, leading to potential new and innovative treatments. This review focuses on the assessment of NIHL, available treatments, and development of new pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments based on recent studies of central auditory plasticity and adaptive changes in hearing. We discuss the mechanisms and maladaptive plasticity of NIHL, neuronal aspects of tinnitus triggers, and mechanisms such as tinnitus-associated neural changes at the cochlear nucleus underlying the generation of tinnitus after noise-induced deafferentation. We include observations from recent studies, including our own studies on associated risks and emerging treatments for tinnitus. Increasing knowledge of neural plasticity and adaptive changes in the central auditory system suggest that NIHL is preventable and transient abnormalities may be reversable, although ongoing research in assessment and early detection of hearing difficulties is still urgently needed. Since no treatment can yet reverse noise-related damage completely, preventative strategies and increased awareness of hearing health are essential.
Highlights
Long-term noise exposure can result in sensorineural deafness commonly called noise induced hearing loss (NIHL)
This review explores questions about the early signs of hearing difficulties, links between tinnitus and noise exposure, the preventability of NIHL, possible reversal of sensorineural hearing damage, detection of so-called ‘hidden’ hearing loss, developments in assessment and detection, appropriate prevention plans, adaptation of the central auditory system to changes, and treatments in development
Extended exposure to noise can result in continuous apoptosis of hair cells and degeneration of spiral ganglion neurons, gradually decreasing speech recognition and increasing hearing thresholds, which can lead to permanent hearing loss [25]
Summary
Long-term noise exposure can result in sensorineural deafness commonly called noise induced hearing loss (NIHL). Some studies conducted in Taiwan have addressed NIHL in workers who were exposed to both organic solvents and noise in specific industry sectors, such as oil refineries, liquid petroleum gas infusion factories, and adhesive materials manufacturing [8,9,10]. Workers exposed to both of these hazards were found to significantly more likely to have hearing loss of ≥25 dB than those in the noise-only group and/or administrative clerks [8,9]. This review explores questions about the early signs of hearing difficulties, links between tinnitus and noise exposure, the preventability of NIHL, possible reversal of sensorineural hearing damage, detection of so-called ‘hidden’ hearing loss, developments in assessment and detection, appropriate prevention plans, adaptation of the central auditory system to changes, and treatments in development
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