5 Things That Put You At High Risk Of Losing Your Hearing

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), approximately 15% of American adults – more than 36 million people – report some form of hearing loss. It’s a problem that affects people of all ages, but it becomes increasingly common as we get older.

The good news is that there are many ways to protect your hearing, and with the help of an audiologist, you can find the right solution. This blog post will discuss five things that put you at high risk of losing your hearing. We will also provide tips on how to protect yourself from these risks!

Noise Exposure

Noise exposure is the leading cause of hearing loss in the United States. It can occur gradually over time, or a single loud event, such as an explosion, can cause it. Sources of noise-induced hearing damage include factories, construction sites, concerts and even household appliances like vacuum cleaners and food processors.

To protect yourself from noise-induced hearing damage, the NIDCD recommends avoiding noisy environments whenever possible and wearing hearing protection when you can’t. Hearing aids comes in several different styles, including:

In the Ear (ITE)

ITE hearing aids is custom-made earmolds that fit snugly in the outer ear bowl, conforming to its unique shape. As such, ITE hearing protectors are comfortable and lightweight to wear. They can also be equipped with various features like water resistance to ensure safe use in wet environments.

Behind the Ear (BTE)

BTE devices are designed to rest behind the ear comfortably and are the most common type of hearing protection available. BTE devices are the largest style out of ITE and ITC hearing aids. They also come with adjustable settings that allow you to customize the sound. BTE hearing aids will come with many different features like Bluetooth connectivity.

In the Canal (ITC)

ITC devices are one of the most popular styles of hearing protection available. This style provides excellent protection while being smaller and more discreet than ITE or BTE devices, making them perfect for those who don’t want their devices to be seen.

Ototoxic Medications

Certain medications, such as antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs, can be toxic to the cells in your inner ear and cause hearing loss. These medications are known as ototoxic drugs. If you must take ototoxic medications, talk to your doctor about the risks of hearing loss so that they can help you find ways to minimize them. Some medications may require hearing protection during use, while others may need hearing tests before or after treatment to monitor for any hearing changes.

Aging

Age-related hearing loss is also known as presbycusis and affects many older adults. This type of hearing loss occurs naturally due to changes in the hearing nerve’s structure and function as we age. To reduce your risk of age-related hearing loss, visit an audiologist for regular hearing tests and ensure you use hearing protection when needed.

Genetic mutations cause some forms of hearing loss passed down through families. If you have a family history of hearing problems, you must talk to a licensed audiologist about how to protect your hearing best. An audiologist can provide hearing tests, advice on using hearing protection and discuss any hearing loss prevention strategies that may be available to you.

Ear Infections

Ear infections are common in childhood, but they can also affect adults. An ear infection occurs when bacteria or viruses enter the middle ear space through a hole in the eardrum or through a tube that connects directly to the throat area, called eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD). If left untreated, ear infections can cause hearing damage or even permanent hearing loss by damaging delicate structures in the inner ear, such as hair cells or cochlear nerve fibers.

To prevent hearing damage from ear infections, it is essential to seek medical attention early and follow your doctor’s instructions on treatment options such as antibiotics or steroids, which can help reduce inflammation that causes pain and impairs the proper functioning of these delicate structures within our ears.

Head Injuries

Head injuries are another potential cause of hearing loss. When the head is injured, it can damage delicate hearing structures and lead to hearing loss. To protect yourself from hearing loss resulting from a head injury, it is essential to wear protective gear such as helmets when participating in activities where head injuries are more likely.

Hearing loss can impact your quality of life, so protecting your hearing now is essential. An audiologist can help you find ways to reduce your risk of hearing damage, including providing hearing protection that fits appropriately and recommendations for noise avoidance or control. Taking proactive steps today can give you the best chance of preserving your hearing in the future! Call Sommerville Audiology & Hearing Aid Center today at 586-298-3788