A Step-by-Step Guide to Understanding Hearing Loss

If you have hearing loss is can affect every aspect of your life, from your employment to your social life. Hearing loss is more common in older people, but it can affect people of any age, and it's worth protecting your hearing from damage regardless of your life situation. 

This article gives you an overview of understanding hearing loss and what you can do to protect your hearing if it's damaged. Start by recognizing some of the common signs of hearing loss.  

Symptoms of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can affect people of any age, but it is far more common in people over 50. This is known as age-related hearing loss. People with age-related hearing loss have difficulty hearing high-frequency sounds such as woman's voices. 

But there are symptoms associated with general hearing loss; these include difficulty understanding everyday conversation, a feeling that you are not being understood, asking people to repeat themselves, and listening to the television at a high volume. 

Types of Hearing Loss

Sensorineural hearing loss is a prevalent form of permanent hearing loss. It can affect people of any age. With this type of hearing loss, the inner ear's tiny hairs (cilia) are damaged so that auditory information isn't loud enough to hear. 

Conductive hearing loss is less serious than sensorineural, but it can still be permanent if it isn't treated. Conductive hearing loss is a mechanical issue that can be resolved by removing an obstruction, such as wax. 

Mixed hearing loss is a combination of both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss.     

Causes of Hearing Loss

There are several causes of hearing loss, all of which are generally well-understood. In addition, there is age-related hearing loss, inherited hearing loss, noise-induced hearing loss, and illness-related hearing loss. Most forms of hearing loss can be treated. 

It's normal for our hearing to deteriorate as we get older and the tiny hairs in our ears start to die; however, these hairs can also be damaged by loud, persistent noises. In addition, medical conditions and congenital diseases can also damage your hearing.  

Tests for Hearing Loss

If you notice a deterioration in your hearing, it's important to get tested as soon as you can. When you don't get a hearing diagnosis, your condition can worsen. Conversely, getting tested and treated will quickly improve your everyday hearing. 

You can have your hearing tested at an audiologist's office or by a hearing instrument specialist. The tests are painless and non-invasive. You can get the results n the same day and resolve your hearing loss quickly.  

Hearing Loss Prevention

Any type of hearing loss can be treated, even permanent hearing loss, but the best treatment is always prevention. Thankfully, there are some easy ways you can protect your hearing as you get older. 

Avoid loud noises; anything over 80 decibels will damage the cilia in your ears and cause hearing loss. If you work in a noisy occupation, always wear ear protection, and monitor the noise levels in your audio devices.