Hearing Loss Affects People of All Ages

There is a common misconception that hearing loss only affects people in their old age. People across all generations may develop and experience hearing loss.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), young adults risk experiencing hearing loss due to loud music from personal devices such as headphones and noisy environments like concerts. The same applies to children and adults. However, the causes of hearing loss vary from one person to another.

According to many audiologists, hereditary and chronic exposure to loud noise are the leading causing factors of hearing loss among people of all ages. Other factors may include ear infections that prevent sound conduction in the ear. The good news is some forms of hearing loss are preventable and treatable. Unfortunately, some forms are irreversible and can only be managed.

It is advisable to check for early signs of hearing loss to avoid the negative effects of experiencing hearing loss over time. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, the following questions can help you determine if you have signs of hearing loss:

• Do you find it hard to hear someone over the telephone?
• Do you find it challenging to follow a conversation when more than one person is talking?
• Do people around you complain that you turn on high volume on TV or radio?
• Do you have a problem following a conversation?
• Do you find it challenging hearing someone in a noisy place?
• Do you always ask people to come up again when talking to them?
• Do you have a problem understanding what people say and respond incorrectly?

These questions are designed to help determine if you may be experiencing hearing loss unknowingly. However, it is essential to understand that they are general questions and may not necessarily help you find an accurate answer or solution.

The only way to get appropriately diagnosed is by booking an appointment with your audiologist. However, if you answer most of the questions positively, you should see an audiologist for a hearing test.

Causes of Hearing Loss in All Ages

Many factors can cause hearing loss in children and adults alike. Some of the most common ones include:

Continued Exposure to Loud Noise

Many pieces of equipment such as chainsaws, power tools and lawnmowers tend to produce loud noise that can damage the inside of your ears if you do not have protective devices. Accordingly, concerts and events such as parties with loud music can be detrimental to your hearing.

If you have to shout or raise your voice to hold a conversation with someone near you, then the place is too noisy for your ears. Additionally, you can look out for signs, such as ringing ears and muffled sound speech. These are generally common when you are exposed to noise for extended periods.

It is always advisable to avoid noisy environments or use noise-canceling devices when working with heavy machinery that produces loud noise.

Aging 

People above 50 years are more likely to experience hearing loss that comes with aging. This condition may not be treated but can be managed well.

Heredity

Some forms of hearing loss may run in the family. This happens when the family has a history of hearing loss and may be inherited.

Medications

Some medications can trigger hearing loss. If you happen to experience this issue, it is advisable to talk to the physician or your audiologist immediately.

Infections 

Some forms of ear infections or injuries to the head can cause hearing loss. If your eardrums are ruptured during an accident, you are likely to experience hearing loss. The extent of the damage may vary according to the infection or the injury.

How hearing Loss Affects People

Hearing loss can affect people of all ages. The condition may lead to some of the following problems:

• Social withdrawal due to communication issues
• Emotional issues due to low self-esteem and loss of confidence when communicating.
• Fewer opportunities due to communication problem

Hearing loss can affect anyone regardless of their age. As much as there are challenges affecting people experiencing hearing loss, you should remain positive and seek help early enough. You can also use hearing aids to improve communication. If you experience any signs of hearing loss, schedule an appointment with Davis Audiology at (864) 810-6238 for a comprehensive diagnosis.