Tips for Reducing Auditory Fatigue

Most of us have probably noticed that our hearing is (temporarily) diminished sometimes—maybe after going to a loud place like a concert or a movie theatre. That explains why the following day, the radio or TV that sounded just fine the day before now seems much too loud. What is this phenomenon, and how can we explain it? Well, it’s called auditory fatigue.

Temporary Auditory Fatigue

When your hearing worsens temporarily after prolonged exposure to loud noises, it’s called auditory fatigue. This temporary hearing impairment can also be caused by acoustic trauma from loud bangs, like gunshots or explosions.

What Happens When Auditory Fatigue Is No Longer Temporary?

Auditory fatigue becomes permanent deafness when the inner ear is damaged irreversibly. Suppose you think this is happening to you. In that case, it is recommended that you see a hearing health professional for a free* hearing health consultation to verify the extent of your hearing loss. Hearing loss can also be caused by working in a noisy environment every day, in which case it’s known as occupational deafness. People who work in places like factories, restaurants, schools, hair salons, and construction sites work in higher-risk jobs. If you believe that noise at your work can affect the quality of your hearing, a professional will help you start the process with the CNESST.

Tips to Prevent Auditory Fatigue

Wear earmuffs or custom ear protectors

Lower the volume on your headphones; it should be around halfway between the minimum and maximum volume

Reduce sources of background noise when you’re having a conversation so you can understand the other person

Take a break from loud activities

If you have any doubts about the quality of your hearing, don’t hesitate to make an appointment for a free* hearing health consultation.

*Permanent offer. 18 and over.

Josée Aumont-Blanchette

Audioprosthetist practising in Valleyfield and Pointe-Claire

References: - Barbara A. Bohne; Gary W. Harding (June 14, 1999). “Noise & Its Effects on the Ear.”

Noise-induced Hearing Loss. Dept. of Otolaryngology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Archived from the original on 2016-07-01.

Retrieved July 5, 2016. “Parameters of Noise Which Affect Its Damage Potential.” - Bruit. Effets sur la santé - Risques - INRS. (n.d.). Santé et sécurité au travail - INRS. https://www.inrs.fr/risques/bruit/effets-sante.html - Critères d’admissibilité d’une surdité professionnelle (article 29, présomption) |

Conseil du patronat du Québec. (n.d.). Conseil du patronat du Québec. https://www.cpq.qc.ca/fr/landing/criteres-d-admissibilite-d-une-surditeprofessionnelle-article-29-presomption/