28/06/2025
Loud noise, such as that from traffic, can affect your ears in several harmful ways:
Temporary Hearing Loss: Prolonged exposure to loud traffic noise can cause temporary hearing loss, where you might experience muffled sounds or a decrease in sound clarity. This happens because your ear structures, including the hair cells in the cochlea, become overwhelmed and temporarily stop functioning at full capacity. With enough rest, these effects can often be reversed.
Permanent Hearing Damage: Continued exposure to loud noise, such as traffic noise above 85 decibels (dB), can lead to permanent damage to the hair cells in the inner ear. These hair cells do not regenerate, meaning that once they are damaged, the hearing loss is irreversible. Over time, this damage accumulates and leads to chronic hearing loss.
Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ears): Constant exposure to traffic noise can lead to tinnitus, a condition where you experience ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds in your ears, even when there is no external noise. This persistent sound can become extremely bothersome and may affect your ability to concentrate, sleep, or communicate.
Increased Risk of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL): Traffic noise is a major contributor to Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL), a condition caused by repeated exposure to loud sounds. Over time, the earโs sensitivity to sound decreases, leading to a gradual decline in hearing ability, especially for higher-pitched sounds.
Eardrum Stress: The eardrum, which vibrates in response to sound waves, can become stressed from loud, continuous traffic noise. Over time, this stress can lead to discomfort and contribute to hearing difficulties. High noise levels can also cause a feeling of fullness in the ear, like youโre hearing underwater.
Increased Sensitivity to Other Sounds: When you are exposed to high levels of traffic noise regularly, your ears may become more sensitive to other sounds, and you might find it harder to block out background noise. This heightened sensitivity can make it difficult to focus on conversations or other important sounds.
