When you are exposed to a very loud noise, such as a sudden explosion or a loud concert, your ears may produce a sharp noise or ringing sound. This sensation is known as tinnitus. Tinnitus is a common condition characterized by the perception of sound in the absence of any external noise. It can manifest as a ringing, buzzing, hissing, or whistling sound.
There are a few reasons why exposure to loud noise can trigger tinnitus:
Damage to the hair cells: Inside your inner ear, there are tiny hair cells that convert sound waves into electrical signals that are sent to the brain. When you are exposed to loud noise, these hair cells can get damaged or bent. The damaged hair cells can send abnormal electrical signals to the brain, resulting in the perception of sound.
Temporary threshold shift: When you encounter a loud noise, your ears have a natural defense mechanism to protect against the excessive sound. The muscles in your middle ear contract, and a small bone in your ear called the stapes reduces its movement. This mechanism dampens the transmission of sound to the inner ear. However, after the exposure to loud noise ceases, there may be a temporary threshold shift, where your ears become more sensitive to sounds for a short period of time. During this time, even normal sounds can appear louder and may trigger the perception of tinnitus.
Hyperactivity in the auditory system: Loud noises can also cause hyperactivity in the auditory system, which includes the nerves and brain areas responsible for processing sound. This hyperactivity can lead to the generation of spontaneous electrical signals, resulting in tinnitus.
It's important to note that tinnitus can be a temporary or permanent condition, depending on the extent of the damage. If you frequently experience tinnitus or have concerns about your hearing, it is advisable to consult an audiologist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist who can assess your condition and provide appropriate guidance. They may suggest measures such as wearing ear protection in loud environments or avoiding prolonged exposure to loud noises to protect your hearing health.