Common Causes Of Hearing Loss And How To Prevent Them

Hearing loss impacts many people around the world, and when you start experiencing the symptoms of hearing loss, it’s important to take action and get the help you need. Failing to do so can exacerbate the problem and lead to further issues such as social isolation, and no one wants that. If you want to avoid experiencing hearing loss in the first place, it’s important to know how hearing loss is most likely to occur and what steps you can take to prevent it.

Common Causes of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can have a range of causes, including exposure to loud noises, the aging process and various disorders. Other factors that can contribute to hearing loss include certain medications, infections and head injuries. It is important to identify the cause of hearing loss to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

Exposure to Loud Noises

Exposing your ears to loud noises is something that’s highly likely to cause some degree of damage to your ears. That might happen after a one-off exposure to loud noises or prolonged exposure over a period of time. Either way, it’s something that you should work to avoid. When the damage is caused to your inner ear as a result of loud noises, that’s not something that can be easily reversed once it’s happened. Hearing protection is an easy and effective way to block out the damaging noises that can contribute to your hearing loss.

The Aging Process

Of course, getting older means lots of changes take place in our bodies, and our auditory system is a part of that. When we get older, the hairs in our inner ear start to become damaged and decrease in number, and that’s one of the ways in which our hearing tends to decline when we reach an older age. That aging process is one that impacts all of us, and there’s certainly no way of preventing it. But you can get help – there are a number of devices available that will help you hear better and protect against further loss.

Disorders

There are several disorders that can cause or contribute to hearing loss. One of the most common is otosclerosis, a condition in which abnormal bone growth in the middle ear can interfere with the transmission of sound. Meniere’s disease is another disorder that can cause hearing loss, as it affects the inner ear and can lead to vertigo, tinnitus and progressive hearing loss. Autoimmune inner ear disease, a rare condition in which the immune system attacks the inner ear, can also result in hearing loss.

How to Prevent Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can be a gradual and irreversible; however, there are several ways to prevent it and preserve your auditory health. One of the most important steps is to use hearing protection, particularly in situations where exposure to loud noises is likely, such as concerts, sporting events, and construction sites. In addition, scheduling regular check-ups with a hearing instrument specialist can help detect and address any hearing problems early on. Taking proactive steps to protect one’s hearing can help prevent hearing loss and ensure continued hearing health for years to come.

Use the Right Hearing Protection

Looking after your ears and preventing them from exposure to loud noises is important too. There are various types of hearing protection available to help prevent hearing loss. One of the most common forms of hearing protection is earplugs, which are made of foam, silicone, or other materials that fit into the ear canal to block out noise. Another option is earmuffs, which are worn over the ears and are particularly effective at reducing noise levels in high-noise environments.

For individuals who are exposed to loud noises for extended periods, custom-made earplugs may be a better option, as they are molded to fit the wearer’s ears for optimal protection. In addition, noise-canceling headphones can be used to reduce exposure to loud noises in everyday environments, such as during a commute or while working in an open office space. When selecting hearing protection, it is important to choose the type that is appropriate for the situation and to ensure that it fits properly for optimal effectiveness.

Get Regular Checkups

It’s a good idea to have your hearing tested on a regular basis so you can track any changes to your hearing. When these checks and tests are carried out on an annual basis, it’s easier to see when changes are taking place and when action needs to be taken. If any signs of hearing loss are found, you can talk to a hearing instrument specialist about getting a hearing aid fitted if your care provider thinks that’s something that might help you and your hearing health.

Get in touch with our team at Hear Clear if you want to find out more about hearing loss testing and treatment options. You can reach us by calling (603) 455-8777.