Noise Induced Hearing Loss - A Guide
Noise-induced hearing loss is a very common cause of hearing issues and hearing loss, but it’s also very preventable.
This guide is designed for anyone who works in noisy environments, listens to loud music, or suspects their hearing may have already been affected by exposure to loud noise. We’ll cover what NIHL is, what causes it, symptoms of NIHL, what steps you can take to protect your hearing, and maybe even claim compensation.
What is NIHL?
Noise-induced hearing loss occurs when tiny hair cells inside the inner ear are damaged by exposure to loud sound.
Inside the inner ear there are tiny hair cells. These tiny hair cells vibrate when sound enters the inner ear, the vibration is then converted into electrical signals, and those signals are sent via the auditory nerve to the brain to be interpreted as sound.
Tiny hair cells in the ear do not regenerate, this means any damage to the cells is permanent and can result in permanent hearing loss (sensorineural hearing loss).
Noise-induced hearing loss is one of the leading causes of permanent hearing loss. HSE estimates that more than 2 million people in the UK are exposed to unacceptable noise levels at work.
Noise-induced hearing loss can affect people of any age, and stems from exposure to loud noise in the workplace or in general day to day life.
What causes NIHL?
NIHL is caused by permanent damage to tiny hair cells in the ear, these hair cells can be damaged by:
Prolonged exposure to loud sounds (machinery, concerts, traffic).
Sudden extremely loud sounds (explosions, gun shots, fireworks).
Listening to music at high volumes (exceeding 70dB).
Occupational noise (loud noise in the workplace).
HSE reported that on average 15000 workers a year report hearing loss due to exposure to loud noise:
Recreational noise (power tools, motorbikes, loud sporting events).
Lack of hearing protection in the workplace or in loud environments.
Repeated exposure to loud noise.
Individual susceptibility; some people are more vulnerable to noise damage than others due to varying factors such as genetics, age, taking ototoxic medications, diabetes, lifestyle choice (such as smoking), and previous exposure to loud noise.
What professions & activities are most affected by NIHL?
Noise-induced hearing loss can affect different people across many different industries, lifestyles, and hobbies. However, some particular professions and hobbies carry a significantly higher risk of developing NIHL as they involve repeated or intense exposure to unsafe sound levels.
We’ve listed the groups of people that face a greater risk of the development of NIHL below.
Construction and Trades
Workers in construction or trade work (carpenters, plumbers, electricians) are frequently exposed to loud tools and machinery which often exceed safe sound limits.
Often on worksites there will be multiple tradesmen and construction workers undertaking jobs at the same time which can raise sound levels and add to cumulative exposure.
Manufacturing and Industrial Work
Factory and industrial workers often operate and work alongside heavy machinery for prolonged periods of time. The noise from heavy machinery, often run continuously (engines, compressors, etc), in enclosed spaces can trap and reflect sound making it louder.
Shifts for workers in these professions tend to be longer, increasing the risk of cumulative exposure. Additionally, PPE compliance varies depending on supervision, and can be less enforced or utilised respective of individual workplace culture.
Military & Armed Forces
The Royal British Legion reports that Military and armed forces personnel are two times more likely to develop noise induced hearing loss compared to the general population due to repeated exposure to weapons, aircrafts, explosives, heavy vehicles and machinery.
Aviation
Individuals working in aviation environments (pilots, cabin crew, ground crew) are consistently exposed to loud noise both inside and outside the plane.
The Federal Aviation Administration reports that ground operations can exceed 140dB, 128 times louder than the standard safe level of 70dB.
Cabin crew and pilots also experience a chronic exposure to lower level sound, although it is lower than ground crew exposure, the persistent noise over long shifts adds to cumulative exposure.
Music and the Entertainment Industry
Musicians, DJs, sound engineers face constant, prolonged exposure to loud music. A survey by Tinnitus UK reports that a staggering 93% of live music workers report hearing problems.
Tinnitus UK goes on to report that 81% of workers do not receive any safe hearing training within their occupation. An amalgamation of lack of training, access or willingness to use hearing protection, and environments (clubs, venues, concerts) make those in these professions at a very high risk of developing hearing loss.
Emergency Services
Emergency service workers (police, firefighters, paramedics etc.) are frequently exposed to loud noises through sirens, machinery, collapsing buildings, firearm usage, and crowd noise.
Often emergency service workers are exposed to sudden and unavoidable loud noises, which means that hearing protection may not always be in place when exposure happens.
Agriculture & Farming
Farmers and agricultural workers use loud machinery daily, exposing them to loud noise and making these workers at a higher risk of developing noise-related hearing loss.
Machinery and tools such as tractors, harvesters, chainsaws etc. produce sustained high noise levels, this coupled with long working hours increases cumulative exposure.
Motorcycling & Motorsports
Riders and motorsport enthusiasts face both engine noise and wind noise; wind at high speeds can exceed safe sound limits.
Additionally, engines, exhausts and track environments amplify sounds which can exceed safe sound levels.
DIY, Home Improvement & Power Tool Use
Recreational use of loud tools can still cause damage over time. For example, drills, sanders, and saws can exceed 100 dB (safe sound levels are 70-80dB).
Additionally, DIY and home improvements tend to be one-offs so risks are often underestimated. Due to the occasional nature, often people will forgo and/or not have access to appropriate hearing protection.
What are the signs & symptoms of NIHL?
Noise‑Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) can appear suddenly after a very loud noise, or gradually after long‑term exposure. Symptoms may be temporary at first, but repeated exposure can make them permanent.
Common symptoms of noise-induced hearing loss include a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear, muffled hearing, difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds, struggling to understand speech in noisy environments, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Symptoms range from lasting minutes, to days, to permanently after exposure to loud noise.
Often, even if hearing comes back, underlying damage is still present.
How & where do I get tested for NIHL?
If you suspect NIHL, the first step is a hearing assessment by a professional. You can access a hearing assessment via your GP, who will refer you to an audiologist or your local ENT specialist for diagnostic hearing tests - if you are a Suffolk local this is the only way to access NHS hearing services, currently individuals cannot self refer.
Additionally, individuals can access hearing tests through high-street hearing centres (hearingcare, boots, etc.) although it’s important to note that they are unable to offer NHS hearing services treatment, you will still have to contact your GP if you require further investigation or NHS treatment options.
For those working in loud environments, you may be able to access occupational health services, many employers who have loud working environments are legally required to provide regular hearing checks.
Typical tests for Noise-induced hearing loss include Pure-tone audiometry (measures the quietest sounds you can hear at varying pitches), Speech Audiometry (how clearly you can understand spoken words), Otoacoustic emissions (checks inner ear hair cell function), tympanometry (assess eardrum and middle-ear movement) and speech in noise testing (measures how well you can hear in noisy environments).
Specialists will use some, or all, of these tests to determine if hearing loss has occurred, how severe it is, and current damage to your ears to evaluate the best treatment for you.
Is NIHL temporary or permanent?
NIHL can be temporary, but is more commonly permanent, depending on the intensity and duration of noise exposure.
Temporary noise related hearing loss can occur after prolonged exposure in a noisy environment - individuals may experience short bouts of tinnitus, a feeling of fullness in the ear, or duller than usual hearing, often recovering within a few hours or days.
Permanent noise-induced hearing loss (sensorineural hearing loss) can occur after repeated or extreme noise exposure that damages the inner ear hair cells. When the cells are damaged they are irreparable, resulting in irreversible hearing loss.
While permanent NIHL cannot be cured, several strategies can help protect remaining hearing and improve quality of life:
Wearing properly fitted ear protection
Avoiding loud environments where possible
Using hearing aids if recommended
Treating any co‑existing ear conditions
Keeping ears clean with microsuction (safe, non‑invasive wax removal performed by trained clinicians)
Reducing background noise during conversations
Regular hearing check‑ups to monitor changes
How can I prevent getting NIHL?
NIHL is 100% preventable provided the right precautions are taken. Below are some tips to ensure your hearing stays protected from noise-induced hearing loss:
Wear earplugs or earmuffs in loud environments (concerts, machinery, shooting ranges)
Keep headphone volume to a safe level - for more information on safe sound levels visit or dedicated article here.
Take regular breaks from noisy environments
Move away from loud sound sources when possible
Use noise‑cancelling headphones to avoid turning volume up
Be aware of noise levels at work, wear hearing protection, and follow any safety guidance set out by HSE or your employer.
Have regular hearing tests if you work in a noisy job
Can I claim compensation for NIHL?
Many people in the UK have successfully claimed compensation for NIHL, especially when it resulted from workplace noise exposure where employers failed to provide adequate hearing protection.
You may be able to claim compensation if you’ve worked in a noisy environment (see list above), your employer did not provide adequate hearing protection, and you have a diagnosis of noise-induced hearing loss or tinnitus linked to that exposure.
If you think you may be eligible to claim compensation you should contact a solicitor who specialises in industrial deafness, personal injury, or workplace incidents. Many firms offer free initial consultations, or “no win, no fee” agreements (whereby you only pay the solicitor if they are successful in your claim).
The solicitor will review your work history, medical evidence, and hearings tests to determine whether you have a strong case.
In summary…
As we’ve outlined, many different people, whether they are working in a loud environment or listening to music recreationally, can be exposed to extreme sound or cumulative sound resulting in noise-induced hearing loss. It’s important to remember NIHL isn’t curable, but it is preventable - follow the steps we’ve outlined above to keep your hearing healthy.
However, if you are already experiencing muffled hearing, tinnitus, or a feeling of blocked ears, or symptoms related to noise-induced hearing loss, excessive earwax may be making it worse.
Earview offers quick, safe, and painless earwax removal via Microsuction. This can quickly restore clarity and ensure your ears are in the best condition for any hearing assessments undertaken by an audiologist. Get in touch today to see if we can help you.
