Several research evidences suggest that 12% or more people are at risk of noise-induced hearing loss. Endolymphatic hydrops is a condition where there is an accumulation of fluid in the inner ear that damages the auditory nerve. According to a new study conducted by researchers from the University of California, fluid volume of the inner ear is normal until exposed to 95 decibels of sound, which begins to build up after getting exposed to sound above 100 decibels.
In addition, auditory nerve cells were found to be reduced in number after getting exposed to higher intensity of sound waves. The researchers also observed that the application of hypertonic saline, a salt-based solution used to treat nasal congestion, to affected ears after getting exposed to loud noise reduces the damage to the auditory nerve and prevents immediate fluid build-up in the inner ear. Implications of this…
