The four leading causes of hearing loss
Are you finding it harder to hear the television or people talking to you? Find out the four learning causes of hear loss, and how to prevent them.
Hearing is a complex human sense that is largely taken for granted. For millions of people around the world, their less-than-optimal hearing seems normal. But the truth is that bad hearing can be fixed, and with a little bit of preparation, prevented.
Let’s look at the most common reasons why people’s hearing deteriorates, and what you can do to help prevent them.
1) Age
Age related hearing loss is a normal process that everyone goes through in life. As you get older, the benefits of hearing aids become much clearer. Individuals that have moderate to severe hearing loss can finally gain the majority of their hearing strength back with a single device.
Depending on the style, hearing aids are hardly noticeable when worn. And as AI technology improves, users are finding that their devices can auto configure the setting based off of the current environment. Age related hearing loss is not something that occurs out of neglect. That is why it is the most common type of hearing loss, but one that can be defeated with the right tools.
2) Environmental noise
With Taylor Swift setting records everywhere, you are bound to run into an excited fan that has attended a concert. When you go to a venue with thousands of screaming fans and music, hearing protection is not the first thing that comes to mind. This simple bit of neglect is why a lot of people end up with hearing issues at a young age.
This is why OSHA has become an important group to protect workers against noisy environments. If you work any type of industrial job, the safety requirements will be strict. That includes mandatory equipment like earmuffs or earplugs while operating loud machinery.
Even something as simple as mowing the lawn should be done with a lot of hearing care in mind. Many families operate home lawn equipment without protecting their hands, eyes or ears. Losing function with any of these things can be devastating! If your environment is loud, look for ways to neutralize the noise, or for ways to get away from it.
3) Tinnitus
Phantom sounds that can be heard in one or both ears are known as tinnitus. Short term tinnitus can be caused by medicine or earwax blockage. Both are simple enough to handle as far as normal treatments go.
For long-term tinnitus, things get a little more complicated. Instead of focusing on the treatment of this type, it’s better to look at the cause. Age and exposure to noisy environments are at the top of the list of things that cause tinnitus. So, even if you somehow beat hearing loss, tinnitus will be right there as an alternative hearing symptom!
4) Physical injuries
Sometimes you can do everything right to protect your hearing and still suffer a loss. Physical injuries can limit your hearing in one or both ears. This includes head trauma, puncturing the eardrums or even getting too much water in your ear. Just like your eyes, the ears require protection duringactivities that can pose a threat.
Protect your hearing
Bad hearing can affect other parts of your life, and that includes your career. Take care of your hearing before it gets into the danger zone. You are in the driver’s seat, and there is nothing that prevents you from having good hearing health.
