Are You at Risk for Hearing Loss?

Although hearing loss is typically associated with old age, it can affect anyone. Because hearing loss isn't always genetic, it's more likely to happen if there are a lot of things in the environment that increase the odds.

What are these elements? And who is most vulnerable to developing hearing loss?

Workers Exposed to Loud Noises

In some industries, the noise level is higher than in others. Early-onset hearing loss is far more common in the manufacturing, construction, military and entertainment industries than in the general population. Construction workers, for example, are more likely to hear loud noises like a pneumatic drill. Military soldiers are subjected to the sounds of jet planes taking off and bombs exploding in the background. DJs, for example, listen to live music all the time, often at maximum volume.

Loud noises have been shown to cause harm to various sensitive areas of the ear. High-volume sounds, for example, might harm the fragile cell hairs that take up sounds in the inner ear, resulting in irreversible hearing loss. The eardrum can be damaged by sudden, loud noises, which reduces the ear's ability to transmit sound.

Wearing earplugs and high-quality headphones is the most effective strategy to prevent occupational hearing loss.

People Who Like to Listen to Blaring Music

Many modern music players have warnings when the volume is raised above a specific level. Additionally, many people like to listen to music at a level over the acceptable range for a lengthy period of time, which can lead to long-term ear damage.

Choose noise-canceling headphones if you don't want to listen to music at excessive volumes. These headphones allow you to listen to music at a reduced volume while also eliminating background noise. For those who prefer listening to music through headphones, audiologists recommend following the 60/60 rule: listening at 60% volume for 60 minutes at a time.

Those Suffering from Injuries

Head injury is a common cause of hearing loss. Head traumas can harm the portion of the brain that is in charge of processing sound that enters the ears. In some cases, damage to the auditory cortex might result in temporary hearing loss.

Injuries can also harm some of the sensitive machinery within the inner ear. Concussions, for example, can damage the eardrum and the nerves that convey sound to the brain. An audiologist will be able to determine whether or not your hearing loss is the result of an injury by performing a thorough examination of the ear.

People With Certain Illnesses

Temporary hearing loss can be caused by high fevers, meningitis and ear infections. High temperatures, for example, can impair blood flow to the ear. In addition, ear infections can cause inflammation or obstructions that hinder the ear from functioning normally.

Those in their Golden Years

Older adults, regardless of their lifestyle choices, are more likely to suffer from hearing loss than younger people. Averting loud noises, eating correctly and avoiding injury can help older people avoid hearing loss, although the risk increases with age.

If an elderly person suspects that they may have hearing loss, they should consult an audiologist. Audiologists can offer treatment (often in the form of a hearing aid) to avoid additional hearing loss.