There are many reasons for a decline in hearing. Some changes in hearing are preventable, but many factors are out of our control. Hearing is an invisible sense, and it may not be immediately apparent that anything is different. Most of us take the ability to hear for granted until we notice that something has shifted.
No one escapes the inevitable gradual decline in hearing. Delicate fibers making up the hearing nerve start to diminish in our third decade of life. There’s no way to prevent this. It just happens.
Genetics is another reason for hearing degradation. You can place blame your relatives as family history can put you at risk for changes in your hearing. If there is a tendency towards hearing loss in your family, be sure to get your hearing evaluated.
Hearing can be impacted by certain medications. There are pharmaceuticals both prescriptive and over the counter that can result in permanent or temporary changes to hearing. Check with your physician to review your medications.
Head trauma, ilĺness, and disease (ie. diabetes, heart, kidney, thyroid and autoimmune disease), contribute to this list. Multiple disease states increase your risk for changes in hearing. And if you experience a sudden loss, this is a medical emergency. It is critical to seek immediate assistance.
Sometimes it’s only earwax. Removing the blockage may be just what you need to improve your sense of hearing. It’s prudent to follow up with a hearing exam even if cleaning your ears improves the way things sound.
A change in hearing can come from exposure to machinery, music, or spending time in loud environments. This one is on you as prevention is possible. Otherwise, a loss of hearing presents as a gradual decline is and dependent on how loud and how long the exposures. Protect your ears with proper earplugs. Or simply walk away. Damage from loud music and noise is preventable.
Factors for a decline in hearing can vary. Most importantly, always use ear protection. It’s the one thing you can do to prevent future hearing loss. Let us know how we can help.