Auditory fatigue
Auditory fatigue is a temporary decrease in the sensitivity of hearing caused by prolonged exposure to sound, especially at high volumes. It is a phenomenon that can occur in both normal hearing and hearing-impaired individuals.
Pronunciation
- UK: /ˈɔːdɪtəri fəˈtiːɡ/
- US: /ˈɔːdɪˌtɔːri fəˈtiːɡ/
Etymology
The term "auditory fatigue" is derived from the Latin "audire" meaning "to hear" and the French "fatigue" meaning "tiredness".
Related Terms
- Audiology: The branch of science that studies hearing, balance, and related disorders.
- Tinnitus: The perception of noise or ringing in the ears, often associated with auditory fatigue.
- Noise-induced hearing loss: Hearing loss caused by prolonged exposure to loud noise, which can lead to auditory fatigue.
- Decibel: A unit used to measure the intensity of a sound.
- Frequency: The number of complete cycles of a periodic wave occurring per unit of time, often related to the pitch of a sound.
Symptoms
Auditory fatigue can manifest in various ways, including a temporary shift in the auditory threshold, tinnitus, and a feeling of fullness in the ears. It can also lead to difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments.
Causes
The primary cause of auditory fatigue is prolonged exposure to loud sounds. This can occur in various settings, such as at concerts, in industrial workplaces, or when using headphones at high volumes for extended periods.
Prevention and Treatment
Prevention of auditory fatigue primarily involves reducing exposure to loud sounds. This can be achieved by using hearing protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs, in noisy environments, and by limiting the use of headphones at high volumes. Treatment typically involves rest and avoidance of loud sounds to allow the ears to recover.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Auditory fatigue
- Wikipedia's article - Auditory fatigue
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