This topic is of interest to many. It's important to understand that hearing loss is unique from on person to another, but with some commonalities.

From what I've learned, hearing loss has a lot to do with a predisposed tendency that is likely hereditary. Some people will lose hearing due to noise, while some will not, even when exposed to the same noise for the same length of time. Once you've learned that noise is a likely factor in hearing loss, it makes sense to avoid it as much as possible. We live in a noisy world, so that isn't always as easy as it sounds.

Noise damage relates to both intensity and duration. One can be partially deafened in an instant if exposed to an extremely loud noise all of a sudden. (Think explosives.) Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) is not as common as that which occurs over time. Duration may be the culprit if a person has worked in a noisy environment over many years. Both causes affect the hair cells in the cochlea. When those tiny cells are damaged or destroyed one cannot hear specific pitches; most often the high tones but that can vary too.

Most sensorineural hearing loss, whether it's caused by noise or not, tends to be progressive. This is why it's so important to protect your hearing as much as possible. Use ear plugs when you know you'll be exposed to noise. Concerts, hunting, industrial noise, working with power tools, mowing the lawn, etc. Prevention is important.

Know, also that there are specific types of ear plugs and ear muffs that are more effective than others. Also, there are musician's ear plugs that do not block the pitch and sound of music, but limit its intensity.

I worked with a young musician who performed in a rock band. This happened to be my granddaughter. She was a vocalist in a garage band that won state recognition. When she got involved in this, I had 'the talk' with her about noise induced hearing loss and the value of using musician's ear plugs. Of course there was some resistance, but 'the talk' also involved sharing information about my hearing loss and how it affects my quality of life. Reluctantly, she agreed to using audiologist fit musician's ear plugs. ($200/pair). Her first reaction was "This is amazing, I can hear myself singing with these on". She became an educator and encouraged other members of the band to follow suit. I'm thankful she listened, learned and felt what she learned was worth sharing.

So, I share that with you. Bottom line: If you have noise induced hearing loss, protect what's left of your hearing. Do not assume it will not get worse if you eliminate noise from your life. To do that you'd have to become a recluse.