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Hearing is one of the most common parts of the natural aging process. However, hearing loss that’s noise-induced is likewise increasingly becoming common, says the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. They also state that about 15% of adults in the United States aged between 20 to 69 years olds and 5% of kids over the age of six have noise-induced hearing loss.
Here at Frank L. Kardos, MD in Wayne, NJ, our doctors, Dr. Frank Kardos and Dr. Gary Hilt, can screen and diagnose hearing loss and suggest treatments that will be most effective to your condition.
Common Causes of Hearing Loss
The top causes of hearing loss include aging and overexposure to noise. Noise-induced hearing loss could happen anytime you’re exposed to extremely loud noises. It usually develops because of repeated and constant exposure to very loud sounds, however, it’s possible for permanent hearing loss to develop even following one episode. These sustained or sudden loud sounds could significantly damage the inner ears’ tiny hairs, which are crucial to hearing. These hairs are not capable of regenerating so you need to do all that you can to protect them.
The world could be a very loud place and people often engage in common activities that provide damaging and sustained noise exposure. These activities typically involve loud music, power tools, heavy machinery, gunfire, and lawn equipment. Unfortunately, most noise-induced hearing loss cases are irreversible and permanent. This is why reducing your risk of developing the condition is immensely vital.
Preventive Measures to Reduce Your Risk of Hearing Loss
- Wear ear protection that fits properly.
- Limit or avoid your exposure to excessively loud noises.
- Limit the volume or headphones or earphones, particularly for kids.
- Always keep ear protection with you. A simple yet effective option is foam ear inserts since these are portable and can be easily stored in your pocket or purse for unexpected noise exposure.
- Refrain from exacerbating potential damage by wearing earphones or headphones and turning up your music so that you could hear it over heavy machinery or a lawnmower.
- Visit your ENT doctor in Wayne, NJ, if you experience sudden hearing loss, consistent pain, and/or ringing in your ear.
When to Undergo a Hearing Test
A hearing screen for most individuals at age 50 will suffice as a preventive measure. You should then get screened every five or 10 years after, depending on your specific circumstances. If hearing loss, however, is identified, you should visit your ENT doctor yearly for checkups.
For Any Concerns or Questions on Hearing Loss, Give Us a Call
Call (973) 956-1200 to reach Frank L. Kardos, MD, here in Wayne, NJ, and arrange your consultation with Dr. Frank Kardos or Dr. Gary Hilt.