The boom of fireworks punctuating the nighttime air. Buzzing lawn mowers on an early Saturday morning. Rap music reverbrating through your child's bedroom wall. The drone of motorboats on the lake.

What do all these sounds of summer have in common? They can all contribute to hearing loss.

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a growing problem, thanks to an increasingly loud society, say medical experts. If you experience ringing in the ears and/or difficulty understanding what people are saying when other activities are going on in the background, you might be suffering from NIHL.

"Noise-induced hearing loss can be caused by long-term exposure to loud noises," says Dr. Bruce MacDonald, an ear specialist with UT Medical Group. "Repeated exposure to sounds above 75 decibels can cause hearing damage. Once it occurs, the damage is permanent."

Normal conversation is about 60 decibels, while fireworks, gunfire, and other explosive sounds can register as high as 120-140 decibels.

Portable electronics with headphones can also damage hearing, if they are used inappropriately. Headphones with ear buds that are inserted deeply into the ear canal can be especially worrisome, Macdonald says. These types of earphones are increasingly popular with children as well as adults.

To prevent your chances of noise-induced hearing loss, be aware of the level of noise around you and take reasonable steps to minimize it. Turn down the volume, if possible. If you're in a situation where you can't control the noise level, wear earplugs. Well-fitting earplugs can protect your ears while still allowing you to hear what's going on.

If you experience a sudden loss of hearing, seek your health care provider as soon as possible.

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Information and links found on the UT Medical Group, Inc. web site are neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency call your healthcare provider immediately.