Hearing loss is often part of the normal aging process, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t learn all you can about what you can do to help prevent it and deal with it –
and why you should not let hearing loss go untreated.
Causes of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss typically falls into two categories: conductive and sensorineural. “Conductive or mechanical hearing loss is linked to fluid in the ear, most commonly from infection or problems with the inner ear anatomy” while “sensorineural hearing loss, which is more common in adults, is typically related to aging, cumulative loud noise exposure and some medical conditions” Oma Hester, MD, of Charleston ENT & Allergy, explained.
Hearing Loss Prevention
“Most hearing loss is not reversible,” said Dr. Hester, elaborating further that “hearing loss from a viral infection, fluid or buildup of wax may be reversible, but the damage from repetitive exposure to loud noises is not reversible.” Prevention, a two-fold focus on overall health and protection against loud noise, is the key, according to Dr. Hester. “Hearing protection starts in childhood with vaccines that protect us from diseases like measles that can negatively and permanently impact hearing,” he shared.
Other health concerns that can impact hearing include genetics, diabetes and microvascular disease from smoking. Outside of addressing these medical considerations, the best way to prevent hearing loss is to avoid long-term exposure to loud noises and wear appropriate noise protection when necessary – and not just at loud concerts. Consider wearing hearing protection for activities such as mowing the lawn, using loud equipment and using firearms. In addition, be aware of the volume of tech items such as headphones or earbuds. “If someone sitting right next to you can hear what you are listening to, it’s too loud,” said Dr. Hester.
Hearing Screening and Devices
Hearing loss can be gradual and can be accompanied by symptoms such as tinnitus or “ringing in the ears,” said Dr. Hester. Other early signs of hearing problems may include watching television at a higher volume, asking people to repeat themselves or having a hard time hearing in noisy environments. For others, hearing loss may be a source of frustration that leads to social isolation and avoiding activities they once enjoyed.
Regardless of symptoms, Dr. Hester said, “It’s a good idea to screen for hearing loss starting at age 50.” At the very least, this can give you a sense of your baseline hearing ability and make it easier to detect subtle changes as you age.
Hearing tests and screening for hearing devices can be done at your doctor’s office, audiologist or licensed local hearing centers. Nancy Woods, of Holy City Hearing, said, “On average, it takes a person about seven years from the first inkling they may be struggling to hear to actually pursue screening,” in part because most normal hearing loss occurs gradually. Customers often are surprised by how bad their hearing has become.
Woods said: “I [often] tell our customers, if you heard perfectly yesterday and today woke up with this level of hearing loss, you’d probably seek medical help immediately,” but, for most people, the hearing loss has been worsening over many years. Woods adds that “We hear with our brains, not with our ears,” meaning that hearing devices help overcome the sensorineural hearing loss by connecting the sounds going into our ears to our brain for processing. “If you aren’t using those connections, you lose them,” so addressing hearing loss early on is crucial, Woods noted.
Getting a pair of hearing devices allows the brain to interpret these signals again. Hearing noises you grew accustomed to not hearing can be overwhelming at first, but working closely with your hearing aid specialist or licensed audiologist can ensure you are able to acclimate and achieve the most benefit from your hearing devices.
The Risks of Untreated Hearing Loss
Looking for a good reason to prevent, screen for and treat hearing loss? “Even mild hearing loss increases the risk for dementia and cognitive decline” said Dr. Hester. Woods added that “loss of hearing can also impact balance – because you can no longer locate where sounds are coming from – and it can make daily tasks like driving unsafe. It can also make it harder to take care of your health because you may not understand your doctor’s instructions.”
By Blair Webb Grass, RN, MSN, CNM (ret.)
Hearing Loss Prevention
Hearing loss prevention is important for maintaining cognitive health and overall quality of life. Learn more about hearing loss prevention here.
