Common Causes Of Hearing Loss And How To Prevent Them

Did you know that hearing loss is one of the most common health conditions in the United States? It’s true! In fact, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), approximately 15% of American adults report some degree of hearing loss. That’s about 37.5 million people! The good news is that most cases of hearing loss are preventable. In this blog post, we will discuss the most common causes of hearing loss and how you can protect your hearing health.

Exposure to Loud Noises

Prolonged exposure to loud sounds can cause permanent hearing damage, especially when the sound is over 85 decibels. Examples of loud noises include explosions, gunshots, rock concerts and other excessively loud music. To protect your ears from being damaged by these types of noises, wear earplugs or noise-canceling headphones.

Age

Unfortunately, hearing loss is a natural part of aging. As we age, our ability to hear certain frequencies diminishes due to changes in our inner ear structures. There is no way to completely prevent age-related hearing loss but it can be managed with proper consultation from an audiologist and treatment.

Medications

Some medications such as antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) and certain antidepressants can cause hearing loss. If you take any of these medications, make sure to discuss the potential side effects with your doctor.

Genetic Conditions

Some genetic conditions such as usher syndrome, Waardenburg syndrome and Alport syndrome can increase the risk of hearing loss. If you suspect that you have a genetic condition that may contribute to hearing loss, it is important to get tested early.

Ear Infections and Fluid Buildup

Infections in the ears or fluid buildup can lead to temporary or permanent hearing damage. To prevent ear infections, keep your ears dry by using a soft cloth after showering and limit swimming activities if possible. If you are experiencing either of these symptoms, get in touch with your audiologist.

Head Injuries and Other Trauma

Head injuries and other trauma to the ear can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss. To reduce your risk of head injury, always wear a helmet when participating in activities with the potential for head trauma such as biking, skiing, snowboarding and skateboarding.

Toxic Substances and Environmental Factors

Exposure to certain chemicals, toxins and environmental hazards can lead to hearing loss. If you work in an environment with hazardous materials or are exposed to loud noises on a regular basis. Talk with your supervisors about protective equipment when in these environments, to keep you safe.

Inadequate Nutrition

Nutritional deficiencies can contribute to hearing loss. Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet and taking supplements with vitamins A, C, E and zinc can help you maintain your hearing health. Talk with your doctor about any deficiencies that you may have in order to maintain a balanced diet, to keep your hearing healthy.

Accumulation of Earwax

Too much earwax buildup or an impaction can cause temporary hearing loss. To prevent this, make sure to use approved tools only when cleaning your ears. When cleaning your ears do not use cotton swabs or anything that could damage your hearing further. Talk with your audiologist about how to clean your ears properly.

Diseases & Other Medical Conditions

Certain diseases such as meningitis or mumps and medical conditions like diabetes or high cholesterol can increase the risk of hearing loss. If you have any of these conditions, it is important to manage them properly with the care of a doctor.

Smoking

Smoking cigarettes can damage the delicate structures of the inner ear, leading to hearing loss. Quitting smoking and avoiding second-hand smoke exposure are important steps in protecting your hearing health.

By understanding the causes of hearing loss and taking steps to protect your ears, you can preserve your hearing health for years to come! If you suspect that you or a loved one is struggling with hearing loss, make sure to consult an audiologist as soon as possible. Hearing aids and other treatments are available that can help improve your quality of life. Don’t let hearing loss hold you back – take control of your hearing health today!

If you or someone you love is struggling with hearing loss, don’t wait any longer to get the help you need. Affordable Audiology & Hearing Service offers comprehensive hearing health services that can help improve your quality of life. From hearing tests and evaluations to hearing aid fittings and maintenance, this experienced team of audiologists has the knowledge and expertise to provide personalized care for each patient.

Affordable Audiology & Hearing Service is committed to helping patients regain their sense of sound with modern technology and compassionate service. Call us at (920) 267-5220 today for more details about their services or to schedule an appointment.