Hearing loss is not just a matter of aging. Today, more than 45 million Americans live with hearing challenges and that population include people from all ages. It is also challenging for physicians to treat these individuals, because most of them aren’t aware that they are exposed to the early stage of the condition or don’t want to feel embarrassed by the situation. So, they have avoided diagnosis and treatment at all cost and isolated themselves from the society. Many have suffered irreversible damage, both physically and emotionally. For readers of this information, we suggest getting help from an audiologist for prevention and hearing protection.
Understanding Hearing Loss
Everyone has the ability to lead a healthier life and take simple steps in preventing loss of hearing. Unfortunately, aging and genetic factors are only a few causes of loss of hearing. In the much broader aspect, there are other causes that if left untreated can lead to feeling of depression and anxiety for a lifetime. With aging process, the hearing loss occurs gradually and over the course of years. The sensitive cells in the inner ear lose its ability to function optimally, the result of which is delayed information relayed to the brain through auditory nerve.
Similarly, when genetic factor is the cause, the person may have a condition that is irreversible. This means there is a clear association between this condition and individual makeup, with some people being more likely to develop issues with hearing than others. However, most instances of this loss can be avoided, halted or reversed from progressing to the next level. Just remember, Eiffel tower wasn’t built in one day, and neither is an anti-hearing loss treatment and lifestyle.
The other variety namely noise induced loss is equally pervasive and preventable compared to age-related loss of hearing. It can happen as a result of a single traumatic incident where a person loses hearing ability temporarily or gradual loss where the loss is more of permanent type. Again, treating these conditions at the earlier possible time is essential to prevent further deterioration of the condition.
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Noise induced loss is often associated with traffic noise, loud workplace and living close to entertainment venues. Today, people of all ages are exposed to dangerous level of leisure time noises, through the use of headphones and earbuds. The high-volume levels from sounds devices can potentially damage inner ear and cause this loss. The statistics from World Health Organization suggest that more than a billion teenagers around the world are using unsafe level of noise and doing damage to their ears through the use of personal audio devices and exposure to noisy environment.
The bottom line is that clinical studies have confirmed the adverse impact of using sound devices close to the ears. Since these devices only worsen hearing ability, it is essential to work with a physician to prevent any further loss of hearing irrespective of age and health condition. In essence, all these could be easily prevented if prevention, hearing protection and precautions are taken in the first place.
Preventing Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
What people need to do at this point is be aware of the listening environment they are in. It is necessary that they are mindful of their workplace noise and take every step to reduce it. High level of volumes from speakers and headphones should be avoided at all cost. To begin with, find out if you are a victim of this condition by asking yourself a few questions. Do you experience humming or ringing sound in one or both your ears? Are you unable to hear certain frequency levels? Do you experience temporary loss of hearing? Do people have to increase their volume when speaking to you? These are some of the indications that your hearing ability is compromised.
Professional Hearing Services
If you think loss of hearing, partially or fully, is hindering with your daily life or taking a toll on your health and well-being, contact us at Professional Hearing Services right away. Leaving this condition untreated can have a major impact on your emotional health if not now, then in the future. Hearing loss has the tendency to rob you out of seeking relationship and communication with fellow beings and may lead to isolation from the society thus lowering your self-esteem. We’re here to help!