The danger to hearing is invisible and often does not become apparent for years. Nerve damage caused by noise is called nerve deafness. According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, there is no way to restore life to dead nerve endings. The damage is permanent.

While extremely loud noises can damage your hearing, a farrier's hearing is more at risk from repeated metal-on-metal noises.

Experts have determined that habitual exposure to noises above 85 decibels can cause a gradual hearing loss.

You can protect your hearing using earplugs, semi-insert earplugs or sound-suppressing earmuffs. Tests have shown that earmuffs or earplugs can reduce noise by 15 to 30 decibels. Using both can cut noise by an additional 10 to 15 decibels. By contrast, stuffing your ears with cotton will reduce sound levels by just 7 decibels on average.


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