More than 30 million Americans of all ages suffer from hearing loss. Hearing loss can develop at any time. It can develop very suddenly or simply happen gradually over time. Many do not realize for several years that hearing loss is affecting them. Hearing loss manifests itself in many ways: people struggling to understand others in certain situations or simply not hearing certain sounds clearly.
There are many causes of hearing loss, including:
Long-term exposure to noise:
Prolonged exposure to loud noises, such as machinery, music, or heavy traffic, can damage the delicate structures within the ear, leading to hearing loss over time.
The aging process:
Age-related hearing loss, known as presbycusis, is a common condition that occurs as a natural part of aging. It often involves a gradual loss of the ability to hear higher frequencies and can affect both ears.
Heredity:
Some forms of hearing loss can be inherited genetically. Certain genetic mutations or a family history of hearing impairment may increase the likelihood of individuals experiencing hearing difficulties.
Infections and illness:
such as otitis media (middle ear infection) or illnesses like meningitis can damage the structures of the ear and result in it. Infections can cause inflammation and fluid buildup, affecting sound transmission.
Reactions to medications:
Some medications, especially certain antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs, may have side effects that can harm the ear and lead to this problem. It’s important to be aware of potential side effects and consult with a healthcare professional.
Injury:
Trauma to the head or ear can cause damage to the auditory system. This can result from accidents, falls, or direct impact to the head.
Ear Wax:
Earwax, or cerumen, is a natural substance produced by the ear to protect it from dust and foreign particles. However, an excess buildup of earwax can block the ear canal and affect hearing. This can be addressed through proper cleaning methods or medical intervention.
It’s crucial to note that hearing loss is a complex condition, and sometimes multiple factors may contribute to an individual’s hearing impairment. If someone is experiencing hearing difficulties, it is advisable to seek professional evaluation and guidance from an audiologist or healthcare provider. They can determine the specific cause of the hearing loss and recommend appropriate interventions or treatments.
Symptoms of hearing loss:
Did you know that hearing loss is one of the most common conditions affecting older adults? The National Council on Aging (NCOA) states that more than nine million Americans over the age 65 exhibit hearing loss. There are an additional 10 million between the ages of 45 and 65 who experience some degree of hear loss.
As your hearing declines, so does your ability to effectively communicate. You may find yourself avoiding certain situations, accusing others of mumbling or finding it hard to hear certain individuals such as women or small children. All are common signs you may have a this problem.
Hearing loss can be frustrating, isolating and for some an embarrassing situation. The great news is : it can be managed. You can experience 100% of your life again.
Types of Hearing Loss
There are two general categories :
Sensorineural Hearing Loss occurs when there is damage to the nerves of the inner ear. This is generally permanent and accounts for approximately 95% of all hearing losses. It cannot be cured but can be successfully managed with the use of hearing instruments
Conductive Hearing Loss occurs when sound is not being transmitted properly to the inner ear due to a “mechanical” problem. It is often the result of damage or blockage in the outer or middle ear. In most cases, conductive hearing problems can be corrected medically.
Do I have a hearing loss?
- Do you frequently ask for words or sentences to be repeated?
- Do you strain to understand conversation?
- Do you often turn up the television or radio louder than others would prefer?
- Do people often sound as though they’re mumbling or speaking to softly?
- When you are socializing, does background noise bother you?
- Do you misunderstand what others are saying or answer questions inappropriately?
- Do you remove yourself from conversations or social situations because it is difficult to hear what is being said?
- Do you need to ask others about details of a meeting that you just attended?
- Do you have difficulty hearing the doorbell or telephone?
- Has someone close to you mentioned that you might have a problem with your hearing?
If you answered yes to 3 or more of these questions, you may have a hearing problem and should have your hearing evaluated by a hearing healthcare professional.
A hearing test at your hearing healthcare professional
Your hearing healthcare professional will administer a brief test that evaluates your ability to recognize tones and everyday words at different volume levels. By putting together your responses to this test, the hearing healthcare professional develops a visual representation of your hearing called an Audiogram. Your hearing healthcare professional uses the data from your audiogram to determine if you might benefit from hearing instruments or if other medical treatment may be appropriate.