Hearing loss does affect a lot of people. It is often overlooked by some as they might not be too severe, but it is wise always to visit your hearing doctor when you feel something’s not right.
Presbycusis is a type of hearing loss that occurs due to aging and it’s fairly common among those above the ages of 55. Indeed in the United States, about 50% of people over 65 are affected by Presbycusis.
Aging isn’t the only factor responsible for hearing loss. Others include consistent exposure to loud noises and excessive earwax. Here are some things you should know about hearing loss, the symptoms, causes and possible ways to prevent it.
Symptoms
The following are signs that all isn’t well with your ears
- Always asking people to speak slowly and louder.
- When the volume on your TV set or radio device is always high.
- Difficulty hearing consonant sounds.
- When you always hear muffled sounds.
- Inability to hear clearly when in a crowded place or when there is background noise.
- Constantly trying to avoid conversations
Time to See a Hearing Doctor
The moment you notice that any or several of the above symptoms persist and begins to make communication harder for you, then it is time to see your doctor.
If you also ever experience loss of hearing for any length of time, especially in one ear, you should contact your hearing doctor rather quickly.
Possible Causes
These are some of the factors that may lead to hearing loss
As stated earlier, consistent exposure to loud sounds can cause severe damage to your ears. These damages can be gradual over a long period. For example, it could be as a result of always listening to music through headphone at a very high volume.
Another source of such loud noises could be from the type of work you do. You are more prone to experience hearing loss if you work jobs that keep you close to loud machinery at all times.
While consistent loud noises are a risk, exposure to a short blast of noise holds an even bigger risk. It can result in an immediate and permanent hearing loss. These could be noises from a gunshot or loud explosions.
Preventive Measures
Seeing how much hearing loss can affect you now and in the future, it is imperative that you try as much as you can to avoid it. Here are some tips for you:
If your source of consistent exposure to loud noises is from your workplace, use earmuffs or earplugs that will significantly reduce the amount of sound that is conducted to your inner ears.
Regular check-ups on your hearing are an excellent way to keep track of the condition of your ears, and if you notice some hearing loss, appropriate steps should be taken to prevent further damage.
Your music doesn’t have to be loud before you can enjoy it, so ensure always to keep your media devices at a moderate volume. You should also wear gears that cover your ears when undertaking certain activities like hiking, hunting and snowmobiling.
