5 Things That Can Harm Your Hearing
Our ability to hear is essential to our daily lives. It allows us to communicate with others, enjoy music and other sounds, and stay safe in our environment. Unfortunately, our hearing is often taken for granted and we do not realize how important it is until it is gone. There are many things that can damage our hearing and cause hearing loss. Some of these causes are the following:
1. Loud Noises
Loud noises are one of the most common causes of hearing loss. Exposure to loud noise can damage the delicate hair cells in the inner ear, which can lead to hearing loss. Noise-induced hearing loss is preventable, so it is important to take steps to protect your hearing from loud noises.
There are several things you can do to protect your hearing from loud noises. First, avoid exposure to loud noise whenever possible. If you must be exposed to loud noise, make sure to wear earplugs or other hearing protection.
Second, if you work in a noisy environment, make sure to take breaks often and give your ears a rest from the noise. Third, turn down the volume on your personal listening devices, such as your phone.
Lastly, get your hearing checked regularly so that any damage can be detected early and treated. Hear & Say can provide you with comprehensive hearing tests and help you to find the best solution for your hearing needs.
2. Age
As we age, our hearing naturally declines. This is due to the wear and tear on our ears over time. Age-related hearing loss is known as presbycusis, and it is the most common type of hearing loss.
There are several things you can do to prevent or slow down age-related hearing loss. First, you can avoid exposure to loud noise. Second, you can quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke. This is because these things can damage the tiny hairs in your ears that are responsible for transmitting sound.
Third, you can take care of your overall health by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. The way you take care of your overall health can impact your hearing health as well.
Fourth, you can get your hearing checked regularly. This way, if you do start to experience hearing loss, you can catch it early and take steps to prevent it from getting worse.
Finally, you can use hearing aids or other assistive devices if you do start to experience significant hearing loss.
3. Genetics
Hearing loss can also be caused by genetics. If you have a family history of hearing loss, you may be more likely to experience it yourself.
Unfortunately, there is not much you can do to prevent hearing loss caused by genetics. However, you can take steps to prevent other causes of hearing loss, as well as get your hearing checked regularly so that any damage can be detected early and treated.
4. Infections
Infections to the ear are one of the things that can damage your hearing. These infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. If you have an ear infection, you may experience pain, itchiness, and drainage from the affected ear. You may also have a fever and/or feel dizzy.
If left untreated, ear infections can cause permanent damage to the ear and hearing loss. Treatment for an ear infection typically includes antibiotics, antiviral medication, or antifungal medication.
Trauma to the ear can also cause hearing loss. This can be caused by a direct blow to the ear, such as from a fall or punch. It can also be caused by loud noises, such as explosions.
If you experience any trauma to your ear, it is important to see a doctor right away. Treatment for ear trauma typically includes pain relief and rest. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the damage.
5. Certain Medications
It may be hard to believe, but some of the medications that are designed to help you can actually damage your hearing. These medications include some antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and diuretics.
If you are taking any of these medications, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks. They will be able to tell you if the benefits of the medication outweigh the risks.
Bottom Line
There are many things that can compromise your hearing health, from lifestyle choices to working in a noisy environment. But there are also things you can do to protect your ears and prevent further damage. If you think you may have a problem, see an audiologist for a comprehensive hearing evaluation.
Always remember that the sooner you catch hearing loss, the easier it is to treat. Therefore, you should take a proactive approach in preserving your hearing health.