Muffled hearing, a sense of fullness in ears or a ringing sound after experiencing loud noises can all be signs of temporary threshold shift (TTS). TTS refers to temporary hearing loss after exposure to loud noises. Though the condition is temporary, repeated TTS can be problematic to your hearing health. Continue reading to learn about TTS and how to avoid it.
Defining Temporary Threshold Shift
Hearing loss which resolves after hours, days or weeks following noise exposure, is considered a temporary threshold shift. For instance, seeing a loud show at a concert venue can leave you with temporary noise damage.
TTS can occur from exposure to any type of loud noise. Loud noises can damage the cells and membranes in the cochlea—the hollow bone in the inner ear, and temporarily or permanently damage hearing.
Threshold shifts are separated into two categories: temporary and permanent. A study on temporary and permanent threshold shifts found that “Exposure to intense sound can produce TTS, acute changes in hearing sensitivity that recover over time, or PTS, a loss that does not recover to pre-exposure levels. In general, a threshold shift ≥10 dB at 2, 3 and 4 kHz is required for reporting purposes in human studies.”
While TTS may go away, repeated instances of TTS from loud noise exposure can damage cochlea cells and lead to permanent hearing damage and loss.
Protecting Against Temporary Threshold Shift
To protect against TTS, you want to limit exposure to loud noises and get regular hearing tests to track potential hearing loss. A couple of ways to protect against loud noises include:
- Wearing earplugs or earmuffs at concerts at the North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Center, construction sites or other loud events and workplaces. Keeping earplugs in your purse or vehicle can help keep you protected at all times.
- Lower the volume on music or TV.
- Use quieter household appliances and tools when possible.
If you have questions regarding TTS or hearing loss treatment, call Charleston ENT & Allergy today to schedule an appointment with a medical provider.