Hearing Health
People rarely pay attention to their hearing until they suffer a significant loss. Hearing loss typically occurs gradually, so people don’t realize they have an issue. Furthermore, people often assume only the elderly struggle with this issue when it could impact people of any age.
Understanding the early signs of hearing loss is essential because early intervention improves the outcome while increasing the individual’s quality of life. What signs should a person look for indicating a hearing issue? When should a doctor be seen if you are concerned about your hearing?
Types of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss may occur in any part of the ear. Conductive hearing loss results from damage to the outer or inner ear. Obstruction of these parts of the ear can also lead to hearing loss, as sound transmission is impacted.
Sensorineural hearing loss usually cannot be reversed because the inner ear or auditory nerve has been damaged. Sound can no longer reach the inner ear. This damage is often the result of exposure to loud noises or trauma. An infection can also lead to sensorineural hearing loss.
Mixed hearing loss combines sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. Regardless of which type a person has, the severity varies by individual. Early detection can help halt the damage, and the loss may be reversible in certain situations.
Signs of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss rarely happens overnight. It creeps up on a person, and they don’t realize they have an issue until the problem escalates. Knowing the early signs of hearing loss is essential to prevent it from worsening.
Asking People to Repeat What They Said
When someone must ask others to repeat what they said, this may be a sign of hearing loss. Many people have problems hearing others in noisy environments. They may also struggle to hear people in quiet settings, depending on the frequency of their voices.
Volume Adjustments
People often turn the TV up because they cannot hear what is being said. When they do so, others around them say the TV is shouting. Turning the volume up is one way to compensate for hearing loss, so anyone who must increase the volume on their TV regularly should have their hearing checked.
Group Conversations
When people gather, focusing on one conversation may not be easy. Processing what is being said becomes a challenge and can quickly tire a person mentally. Have the hearing tested to learn if there is some loss.
High-Pitched Sounds
People with hearing loss often notice they can’t hear high-pitched sounds. That’s when they realize they have an issue. They can no longer hear their children or grandchildren speaking, and the birds seem unusually quiet outdoors. A hearing test can determine the problem and how to treat it.
Tinnitus
Men and women with tinnitus may not associate it with hearing loss. The ringing or buzzing noise irritates them, but it isn’t enough to have them make an appointment with their doctor. They should do so because tinnitus may indicate hearing problems like inner ear damage.
Isolation
Some people withdraw from others because they cannot follow a conversation. Doing so exhausts them, and they aren’t sure why. It may result from hearing loss, and receiving treatment for this loss will allow them to enjoy spending time with others, which is good for their overall well-being.
What Causes Hearing Loss?
Most people associate hearing loss with aging, but many other factors may contribute to this problem. Over time, exposure to loud noises can damage the inner ear, and genetics can predispose a person to hearing loss. Individuals who have loved ones with hearing loss, particularly if this loss occurred at a young age, should have regular hearing tests to ensure they aren’t experiencing issues. If they are, early intervention can help protect the hearing.
An ear infection may lead to temporary loss. If left untreated, however, the damage could be permanent due to fluid buildup in the middle ear. A person may lose their hearing because of a medical condition that impacts the hearing. Medical conditions that can lead to hearing loss include diabetes and hypertension. Furthermore, certain medications can lead to hearing loss. People should ask their doctor about any potential ototoxic medications they may be prescribed. However, one loud noise event could harm the hearing, such as an explosion in a war zone.
When to Request a Hearing Test
People may ask when they should see an otolaryngologist or audiologist rather than their regular doctor. When the symptoms are persistent, it’s time to make the call. When sick, a person might have short-term hearing loss, but the symptoms disappear when they get better. If they don’t, schedule an appointment with a specialist.
Any sudden healing loss requires immediate medical attention. Persistent ear pain and pressure could indicate illness or another medical issue. When hearing loss impacts daily life, request a hearing test. Do the same if there is a family history of hearing loss.
Why See a Specialist?
Many people wonder why they should see a hearing specialist. Can’t their regular doctor diagnose and treat hearing loss? An audiologist or other hearing specialist conducts hearing tests to learn how each patient hears different frequencies and tones. They may order imaging tests to look for structural issues with the ears, inner ear damage, or growths. Once they have uncovered the underlying cause of the hearing loss, they develop a tailored solution that addresses the patient’s specific needs. This treatment plan may include lifestyle changes, hearing aids, medications, or implants.
Protecting the Hearing
Every person must work to preserve their hearing, as hearing loss doesn’t have to be a part of the normal aging process. Limiting exposure to loud noises helps protect the hearing, so people should turn down the volume of their headphones and use ear protection when in a noisy environment. A healthy diet and regular exercise benefit hearing health, and individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes should have their hearing tested regularly to detect problems early. Regular hearing checkups allow for early intervention, which typically results in the best outcomes.
Hearing loss impacts every area of a person’s life and can lead to physical, mental, and emotional problems. Schedule a hearing test today to learn about your current hearing health. The audiologist can determine if there are any problems and create a treatment plan that addresses them. If no issues are found, this professional can help the patient ensure problems don’t develop in the future.
