Adverse effects of noise on hearing

Excessive exposure to noise causes cells in the inner ear to degenerate and eventually can lead to permanent hearing loss. Although it has long been known that exposure to work-place noise can damage hearing, concern has recently been raised about hearing loss from excessive noise in recreational activities. The most effective way to decrease the incidence of noise-induced hearing loss is to educate people about the adverse health effects of excessive noise and to teach them how to protect their hearing.