5 Things That Put You At High Risk Of Losing Your Hearing

Losing your hearing is a process that often happens gradually for most people. Unfortunately, it’s often so gradual that they only realise there is a problem once it’s too late. The good news is that if you catch the problem early, there are treatments available to help restore your hearing. This article will discuss five things that put you at high risk of losing your hearing. If you can identify these risks and take steps to mitigate them, you can better protect your ability to hear!

Exposure to Loud Noise

Exposure to loud noise is one of the most common causes of hearing loss. Exposure to sounds above 85 decibels (dBs) can cause permanent damage to your auditory system over time, leading to hearing loss. Familiar sources of loud noises include:

• Construction work
• Factory work
• Operating heavy machinery
• Listening to music at high levels
• Attending crowded events

Even a few minutes of exposure can lead to temporary hearing loss. However, with long-term exposure or sudden loud blasts, the damage can permanently lead to hearing loss.

Using hearing protection devices such as earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones can greatly reduce the impact of these noises on your hearing. By limiting your exposure to loud noises and using adequate protection when you are exposed, you will be able to significantly reduce your risk of losing your hearing.

The Aging Process

Age is one of the most significant risk factors for hearing loss. As you age, your hearing may not deteriorate as quickly as it did when you were younger, but the loss can be more profound. Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, usually occurs gradually and involves a decline in both high- and low-frequency hearing. This type of hearing loss is caused by changes in the inner ear structures over time, which makes it harder to detect low-level sounds.

The good news is that there are ways to protect your hearing from age-related damage. For example, wearing proper hearing protection devices such as custom earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones can reduce your exposure to loud noises that can cause further damage.

Your Genetics

Genetics can play a significant role in your risk of hearing loss. Research has found that about 40-50% of those with hearing loss do have a genetic component to their condition. For those who suspect that their hearing loss may be due to genetics, it is important to speak with a professional health provider to determine the best course of action for protecting your hearing.

Genes that are associated with an increased risk of hearing loss can be passed down from one generation to the next, which means that if you have inherited such genes from your parents, you should take extra care when it comes to protecting your hearing. In addition, certain medical conditions such as Down syndrome and Usher’s syndrome may also increase your risk of losing your hearing over time.

Medications and Ototoxic Drugs

Certain medications, such as certain antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can be ototoxic or toxic to the ear and put you at high risk of hearing loss. Long-term use of these drugs can cause damage to the cochlea, which is responsible for transmitting sound signals to the brain, leading to hearing loss. Furthermore, chemotherapy agents and some medicines used to treat cancer can also have ototoxic effects on your hearing.

It is important to speak to a health professional if you are taking any of these medications, as they will be able to advise you on how best to protect your hearing and monitor any changes in auditory functioning due to the medication.

Illnesses and Injury

Illnesses such as Meniere’s Disease and infections that affect the inner ear can increase your chances of experiencing hearing loss over time. These conditions require specialised treatment from an experienced health professional in order to reduce the risk of further damage or deterioration. In addition, specific head injuries, such as a concussion, can also cause hearing loss, as well as damage to the inner ear structures.

This is why it is essential to seek medical attention if you have experienced any head injuries or illnesses that may affect your hearing so they can advise on the best course of action for protecting and preserving your hearing.

Taking the necessary steps to protect your hearing by wearing proper hearing protection devices and getting regular checkups with a hearing instrument specialist is important in order to catch any early signs of hearing loss and take action before any permanent damage has been done. To learn more and receive further information, please get in touch with Nu-Life Hearing Centre at Phone number: (855) 867-7449