Noise can harm your hearing for good

Lately, we’ve heard you should turn down your iPod or risk hearing loss.

Now, we are finding out that long-term exposure to loud noise can cause a tumor that can lead to permanent hearing loss.

It doesn’t matter what kind of noise you’ve been exposed to.

If you have had your share of loud concerts during your lifetime or if your work environment is extremely noisy, you could develop a noncancerous tumor called an acoustic neuroma.

“In San Diego County, we have had about 3 million residents, so we can see maybe 10 to 20 patients per year (with the condition),” said Scripps otologist Dr. John Vaughen.

An acoustic neuroma slowly presses the cranial nerve that is responsible for sensing sound and helping with balance.

In a recent study, people who were repeatedly exposed to loud noise over the span of several years were, on average, one and a half times as likely to develop this type of tumor compared to people who weren’t exposed to such noise on a regular basis.

"The highest incidence rate was in females who were exposed to a lot of loud music from the last 15 years forward. Those were about three times than the normal control population," said Vaughen.

Vaughen said symptoms include hearing loss and a constant ringing in the ears, or tinnitus.

Jennifer Nelson, 27, recently had surgery to remove a small acoustic neuroma.

Nelson isn’t the typical patient.

She is young and has not experienced long-term exposure to loud noises, but she admits she listens to loud music.

“I usually turn it up pretty loud,” said Nelson.

Because the tumor pressed on her cranial nerve, she lost some of her hearing.

“I have no hearing in my left ear,” added Nelson.

Since the tumor was caught early, Nelson's hearing may come back.

"Usually in about 70 percent of patients we are able to maintain some hearing in the ear," said Vaughen.

She’s also making some changes to make sure her hearing lasts a lifetime.

"I am probably a lot more careful with my music because that's the biggest thing," said Nelson.

The study looked at loud noise exposure from machines; power tools; construction noise; motors, including airplanes; loud music, including employment in the music industry; and exposure to screaming children and sporting events.

Those who were exposed to loud machines, power tools or construction were 1.8 times more likely to develop a tumor.

People who were exposed to loud music, including employment in the music industry had 2.5 times the risk of developing a tumor.