Terri Ramsey Beavers No matter how well you look after yourself, there are always aspects of your health that you may be neglecting. One thing that most people seem to forget about is their hearing. Unfortunately, good hearing, much like good health in general, is one of those things that people take for granted.
Why You Could Be Losing Your Hearing
Hearing loss can have a number of causes and can affect people of all ages. Most people experience a level of hearing loss as they get older, as wear and tear gradually damages the parts of your ears that pick up certain sounds. This kind of hearing loss often makes it harder to hear higher-pitched tones or to pick out words against heavy levels of background noise.
This type of damage can also be caused by repeated exposure to loud noises, so if you work in a noisy environment without sufficient ear protection, or often listen to loud music, you are also at risk of hearing loss. These environments may also cause tinnitus, which is characterized by a constant ringing or buzzing in your ears that can be distracting or even distressing.
A buildup of earwax may block the ear canal, making it more difficult for sound waves to travel into your inner ear. Also, ear infections or abnormal growths may block parts of your ear canal and cause hearing loss.
A ruptured or damaged eardrum, either from loud blasts of noise, sudden pressure changes, or physical trauma, can affect your hearing.
When You Should Visit an Audiologist
If you have any risk factors that make the above causes of hearing loss more likely, you should visit an audiologist regularly. It can be difficult to tell that you’ve lost your hearing until it’s gotten to a point where it affects your life, so keeping on top of it can ensure that you get treatment as soon as possible.
There is also a genetic component to hearing loss, so if your relatives experience premature loss of hearing, then you should get your ears checked out. Of course, if you are finding that you’re struggling to keep up with conversations or have other symptoms of hearing loss, then you should always visit a medical professional.
Why You Should Get it Sorted
An audiologist can determine the extent of your hearing loss and may be able to find the cause of it. Unfortunately, damage to the inner ear is usually permanent, such as the damage caused by aging or loud noises. If your hearing loss is caused by premature damage, then your audiologist may be able to help you to prevent or reduce further loss.
However, hearing loss caused by blockages can be solved relatively simply, especially if the blockage is due to a build-up of wax. Typically, once the wax is removed, your hearing will be returned to normal.
Nowadays, even permanent hearing loss can be treated with hearing devices. Your audiologist can provide you with hearing device care advice, so you can get the most out of it.
Protect your hearing while you can, because you may not know what you’re missing until it’s too far gone.