It's loss of hearing caused by exposure to loud noises. When exposed to loud noise the tiny hairs inside the ear (more specifically the cochlea) are damaged. These hairs can repair themselves if only a small amount of damage is done, however over time repeated exposure to loud noise can cause permanent damage. It can be caused by a one-time exposure to an intense “impulse” sound, such as an explosion, or by continuous exposure to loud sounds over an extended period of time, such as noise generated in a woodworking shop.
People of all ages, including children, teens, young adults and older people, can develop Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Exposure occurs in the workplace, in recreational settings and at home. Recreational activities that can put someone at risk of NIHL include target shooting and hunting, woodworking, listening to or playing loud music and other hobbies. Harmful noises at home can come from music, lawnmowers, leafblowers and other power tools.
Info from National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
Image from Action on Hearing Loss
