Hearing is vital in our interaction with others around us. It aids communication and heightens our environmental awareness. Millions of individuals are suffering from hearing loss that affects their quality of life. It is very critical to initiate measures to detect the hearing and safeguard ear health at an early stage.
What Is Hearing Loss?
Hearing impairment, hearing loss, or deafness means inability to hear things, either totally or partially, in one or both ears.
● Deafness- A word used for the incapability in hearing
● Hearing Impairment- A decrease in the capability in hearing sounds which varies from a minimal inability to total deafness.
Types of hearing loss:
There are three primary kinds of hearing loss: one is conductive, second is sensorineural, and third is mixed hearing loss
● Conductive hearing loss: This is the loss that results when sound conduction processes are not functioning because there is blockage in the ear, perforation of the eardrum, abnormality in ossicles, or any form of damage to the middle or outer ear. Conductive hearing loss can be treated with minor surgery or medicine.
● Sensorineural: This occurs when our sensorineural and nerve pathways are damaged due to aging, loud noise exposure, or genetics. Mostly, this hearing loss is irreversible, but hearing aids can help manage this loss.
● Mixed hearing loss: This hearing loss is a mix of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss, as the name indicates. It normally occurs when the whole auditory pathway is damaged. Hearing aids and medicine are beneficial for the treatment.
Causes of Hearing Loss
There are numerous reasons behind a person’s hearing loss
● Presbycusis: The process of aging is associated with some degree of breakdown at most of the structures of the auditory system, leading to age-related impairments in hearing that are referred to as presbycusis.
● Loud noise exposure: A loss of hearing caused by overstimulation by loud sounds is created by the destructive processes of high-level overstimulation, typically over a prolonged duration. High sound exposure will create transient and permanent hearing loss from overstimulation or mechanical trauma.
● Infections: Some of the diseases that can affect the structures of the ear or the nerve of hearing are measles, meningitis, and ear infections leading to permanent or temporary hearing loss.
● Medications: Diseases such as diabetes & hypertension, drugs such as ototoxic drugs, chemotherapy, etc. damage the inner ear and lead to hearing loss
● Injuries: A head or ear injury, such as a perforated eardrum, may also lead to loss of hearing.
● Genetics: Genetics also makes people susceptible to hearing loss.
Prevention of Hearing Loss
Prevent hearing loss by keeping far away from noisy places or by wearing a proper ear protecting device.
If you are listening to music on headphones or earphones, ensure you keep the volume at a safe level.
Any pointed object or cotton swab is dangerous to the ear that can lead to perforation of the eardrum and can lead to damage to the ear canal.
For individuals above the age of 50 who work in noisy places require frequent hearing check-ups. The early diagnosis can cure ear ailments in advance.
Conclusion
The initial step towards saving your ears is finding out about the types and reasons. Hearing is one of the most important senses. If you face any hearing issues, do not worry; simply visit the nearest audiologist to test your hearing capacity. Audiologists will prevent you from losing your hearing and will also take care of your hearing.
If you need premium hearing solutions, go to www.hearnu.com to find out about a variety of hearing aids that will enhance your hearing wellness.
