Hearing loss is not always unavoidable, despite the fact that it is quite common. As they get older, the majority of adults will begin to experience a change in their hearing. Even slight changes in your hearing ability will be able to be noticed after years of hearing sound. The extent of the loss and how fast it progresses is best managed with prevention, as is true with most things in life. Later on in your life, how bad your hearing loss is will depend on the choices you make now. It’s never too soon to start or too late to care when it comes to ear health. You really want to keep your hearing from getting worse, but what can you do?
Comprehending Hearing Loss
Learning how the ears actually work is the first step to knowing what causes most hearing loss. Age-related hearing loss, medically known as presbycusis, affects one in three people in America between the ages of 64 and 74. It is an accumulation of damage to the ears over the years. Presbycusis starts slowly and then gets worse over time.
The ear canal amplifies waves of sound several times before they reach the inner ear. Sound waves oscillate little hairs which bump into chemical releasing structures. These chemicals are translated into electrical signals that the brain interprets as sound.
All of this rumbling eventually causes the hairs to begin to break down and misfunction. These hair cells won’t repair themselves, either, so once they’re gone, they’re gone. Without those cells to create the electrical signals, the sound is never translated into a language the brain can understand.
So, what causes this destruction of the hair cells? It can be considerably magnified by several factors but it can be expected, to some degree, as a part of aging. How powerful a sound wave is, is generally known as “volume”. If the sound is at a higher volume, then the strength of the sound wave is greater, and the hair cells take more damage.
Exposure to loud noise isn’t the only consideration. Also, diabetes, high blood pressure, and other chronic illnesses will have a strong effect.
How to Protect Your Hearing
Good hearing hygiene is a big part of protecting your ears over time. Volume is at the root of the problem. Sound is measured in decibels and the higher the decibel level the more hazardous the noise. Damage is caused at a much lower decibel level then you might realize. If you find that you have to raise your voice to talk over a noise, it’s too loud.
Everyone deals with the occasional loud noise but continuous exposure or even just a couple of loud minutes at a time is sufficient to affect your hearing later on. Fortunately protecting your ears from expected loud noises is fairly easy. Wear hearing protection when you:
- Do something where the noise is loud.
- Ride a motorcycle
- Run power equipment
- Go to a concert
Headphones, earbuds, and other devices made to isolate and amplify sound should be avoided. A reduced volume should be chosen and use conventional speakers.
Control The Noise Around You
Even the items in your house can make enough noise to become a problem over time. Today, appliances and other home devices come with noise ratings. Try to use appliances that have a lower noise rating.
If the noise is too loud when you are out at a party or restaurant, don’t be afraid to let someone know. The host of the party, or possibly even the restaurant manager may be willing to help accommodate for your issue.
Pay Attention to Noise Levels While at Work
If your job subjects you to loud noises like equipment, then do something about it. Buy your own hearing protection if it is not provided by your boss. Here are several products that can protect your ears:
- Earmuffs
- Headphones
- Earplugs
Your employer will probably listen if you bring up your concerns.
Quit Smoking
Hearing damage is yet another good reason to stop smoking. Studies reveal that smokers are much more likely to experience age-related hearing loss. Second-hand smoke can also speed up hearing loss.
Make Sure to Look Closely at Medications That You Take
Ototoxic medications are known to cause damage to your ears. Several common culprits include:
- Aspirin
- Narcotic analgesics
- Diuretics
- Certain antibiotics
- Mood stabilizers and antidepressants
- Cardiac medication
- NSAIDS
The complete list is much longer than this one and contains prescription medication as well as over the counter medicines. Read the label of any pain relievers you purchase and use them only when necessary. Ask your doctor first if you are uncertain.
Treat Your Body Well
To slow down hearing loss it’s especially important, as you get older, to do the normal things that keep you healthy, like eating right and exercising. Do what is necessary to manage your high blood pressure like taking your medication and lowering salt intake. You have a lower risk of chronic health problems, such as diabetes, if you take good care of your body and this leads to lower chances of hearing problems.
Finally, have your hearing examined if you think you could have hearing loss or if you hear ringing in your ears. You might need hearing aids and not even know it so pay close attention to your hearing. If you detect any changes in your hearing, schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist. It’s never too late to take care of your hearing.