Hearing loss is a growing problem that affects millions of people around the world. It can have a huge impact on an individual’s quality of life, and yet it often goes undiagnosed or unrecognized. Hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the structures in the inner ear responsible for sending sound waves to the brain. Age-related issues can cause this damage, exposure to loud noise, genetic conditions, certain medications, head trauma, birth defects or infections.
Luckily, there are hearing aids and other treatments available to help individuals with hearing loss. Hearing aids are small electronic devices that amplify sound waves and deliver them directly to the ear, allowing an individual to hear more clearly. These devices come in a variety of styles and sizes and can be customized to fit the needs of each individual patient.
Loud Noises
Exposure to loud and sudden sounds can cause permanent damage to your hearing. This could include things like fireworks, gunfire or even going to a concert without proper ear protection. Hearing loss caused by noise is known as noise-induced hearing loss, and it can happen in an instant or over time if you are regularly exposed to loud noises. It is especially important to protect your ears when using power tools or operating any kind of machinery that produces a large amount of noise.
Medications
Some types of medications can cause temporary hearing loss or permanent damage depending on the type and dosage taken. Common medications such as antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, diuretics and some anti-cancer drugs are known to have a damaging effect on hearing. Before taking any medication, it is important to talk to your doctor about potential side effects and be aware of the risks associated with taking certain medications.
Age
Hearing loss tends to increase with age due to both natural aging processes and prolonged exposure to loud noises throughout life. It has been shown that more than half of people aged 65-74 have some form of hearing impairment. As you age, your cells become less elastic and less able to absorb shock, which makes us more susceptible to hearing damage.
Genetics
Some people are predisposed to hearing loss due to their genetics. This means that they may be at a higher risk of losing their hearing than those with no genetic predisposition. If you have a family history of deafness and hearing loss, it is important to take extra precautions when it comes to protecting your ears.
Head Injuries
Traumatic injuries to the head, neck and face can cause hearing loss due to damage to the eardrum or other structures in the ear. This is why it is important to wear protective gear when engaging in activities where this type of injury is a risk, such as contact sports. Additionally, long-term exposure to vibrations from heavy machinery can lead to hearing loss over time.
In-the-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids
In-the-ear hearing aids are the most common type of hearing aid and usually fit inside the outer ear bowl. They come in a variety of sizes, from tiny invisible models that sit deep in the ear canal to larger options that fill up the entire ear bowl. In general, they’re designed to be easier to insert and remove than other types of hearing aids. In some cases, they can also provide better sound quality by sitting closer to the eardrum.
Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids
Behind-the-ear hearing aids are larger devices that hang over or behind your ears and fit securely with a hook or headband over your ear. These have become much more popular in recent years due to their increased functionality and comfort for users.
BTE hearing aids are custom-made, so they can be adjusted to fit your ear perfectly. This type of hearing aid is often the best choice for people with more severe hearing loss since they’re designed to amplify sound better than the other types.
In-the-Canal (ITC) Hearing Aids
In the canal (ITC), hearing aids are smaller and less visible than BTEs. It has a tiny shell that sits inside your ear canal, which helps keep it in place and gives you a better sound quality. ITCs are typically not adjustable because of their size but may work well for those with mild or moderate hearing loss who don’t need extra amplification.
Hearing loss is an issue that affects many people in different ways, and there are several things that can put you at high risk of losing your hearing. Knowing what these risks are can help you take preventative measures to protect your hearing.
For more information, it’s always best to speak with your hearing instrument specialist at Better Hearing of Madison County. Give us a call today at (315) 693-3637 so that they can help you make the right choices based on your individual needs and lifestyle. With the right hearing aid, you’ll be able to hear clearly again and enjoy life to the fullest!
