Hearing problems if not treated or ignored can get worse. It is advised that you know the causes of hearing loss and possible ways to care for the situation.
Ever spoken to an old man or woman and you have to repeat yourself? The experience could be very annoying though, but a fact remains that the old man or woman could be a victim of hearing loss.
Hearing loss usually comes with aging but can also affect a young individual as many factors can trigger the situation.
Hearing loss can occur suddenly but usually develops gradually. This is as a result of sound signals not reaching the brain.
Hearing loss is one of the most common conditions affecting older adults as there is a strong relationship between age and hearing loss. Individuals with hearing loss may find it difficult to have a good conversation with friends and family. Responding to warnings, hearing doorbells or car horns, could also be difficult for people with hearing loss.
Factors that could affect hearing loss
Exposure to loud noises – this is majorly one of the common causes of hearing loss. Many people expose themselves to very loud noises and could easily become victims of hearing loss.
Aging – There is a strong relationship between age and hearing loss. As most people grow older, their body systems fail to adjust to strike the appropriate balance.
Diseases – Certain diseases can also cause hearing loss. An individual who suffered from any brain disease earlier could be susceptible to hearing loss.
Others include:
- Trauma
- Hereditary
- Certain medications
Types of hearing loss
Hearing loss occurs in various forms as it ranges from a mild loss to a total loss of hearing. Generally, there are two types of hearing loss and they include:
- Sensorineural hearing loss: This occurs when there is damage to the auditory nerve. This type of hearing loss could be permanent.
- Conductive hearing loss: This situation occurs when sound waves are unable to reach the inner ear. This can be as a result of ear wax building up in the ear, fluid or a punctured eardrum.
Prevention and care
Though most times, it is not possible to prevent hearing loss but the risks can be reduced as much as possible.
- Avoid having too loud music or television around you.
- Avoid being hit hard around the ear region. A hard hit or slap around that region could result in temporary hearing loss.
- Avoid cleaning your ear with sharp objects as it could result in blockage or a punctured eardrum.
- Attend to ear infections and ear injuries with immediate effects.
- Do not leave the situation unattended; try getting further help by seeing a doctor as hearing aids, training, medications and surgeries could be administered.
Treatment
- Medications – In very mild cases, certain medications are prescribed to deal with hearing loss.
- Digital hearing aids – With the aid of programmed devices, it is now easier for people with hearing loss to hear properly, as this device functions as an amplifier that increases the power of the signals and then sends them to the ear through a speaker.
- Surgery – This includes bone anchored implants, cochlea implants and middle ear implants. This can only be done through surgery as it is mostly the last option used to restore a person’s hearing.
