Hearing loss impacts millions of people around the world. While you might associate it with older people, it’s not limited to people above a certain age. Some people are born without hearing or with a severe hearing impairment. You can also lose your hearing earlier in life, due to illness, injury, wear and tear, or other issues. Genetics also play a role in potential hearing loss, especially as you get older.
Because hearing loss has the potential to affect everyone, it’s important to explore how best to manage hearing loss so you can get the most out of your life and your hearing.
Preventing Hearing Loss
Some of the causes of hearing loss are unpreventable. People who are born without hearing can’t get it back, although some can use tools like cochlear implants. You also can’t stop age or genetic-related hearing loss, and some illnesses or injuries are unavoidable.
However, you can protect your ears from other forms of hearing loss. For example, one of the most common reasons people lose their hearing is exposure to loud noises. If you work in a loud environment or go to concerts often, you damage the mechanism of your ears. Over time, this damage is irreversible. However, ear defenders designed for concerts or your workplace can reduce this damage to your ears.
Another good way to reduce the risk of permanent hearing loss is to see a doctor quickly if you have any concerns. Ear infections can cause temporary hearing loss, but if left untreated, your hearing might not be fully restored. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent hearing loss and, if you do have signs of hearing loss, it can help you manage it much better.
Hearing Tests
A doctor can treat an ear infection and a pharmacist can help you with earwax blockages, another common cause of temporary hearing loss. But in some cases, it’s necessary to see a hearing specialist for a test.
A hearing test is a simple, painless, and non-invasive way to determine the extent, if any, of your hearing loss. You will be placed in a soundproof room with headphones. An audiologist will play sounds and you press a button when you hear a sound.
Recognizing different hearing loss stages is a vital part of understanding how bad your hearing is and what you can do about it. After the test, the audiologist can give you targeted advice and potential treatment options.
Coping With Hearing Loss
Hearing is one of our most important sense and many people with hearing loss experience a lack of connection to the outside world and other people. But you can cope.
Hearing aids allow you to still keep up with conversations and communicate with others. You can even enjoy music with hearing aids. You should also talk to other people about what you’re going through, especially if you struggle with feelings of isolation.
Focus on learning new things and meeting new people. Learn sign language, even if you have hearing aids, so you always have a way to talk.