Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) Risk After Jet Engine Exposure

Jane is likely to experience noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) as she gets older. NIHL is a type of sensorineural hearing loss that is caused by exposure to loud noises over a long period of time. It can result in difficulty hearing faint sounds, trouble understanding speech in noisy environments, and tinnitus (a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears).

Jane's work in the Air Force, where she was exposed to the loud noise of jet engines without wearing ear protectors, put her at an increased risk for developing NIHL. The damage to the delicate hair cells in the inner ear that occurs with NIHL is often permanent, so it is important to take steps to protect your hearing from loud noises to prevent this type of hearing loss.