Gradual hearing loss as you age is common. Almost half the people older than 64 years have some extent of hearing loss, which may be classified as sensorineural, conductive or mixed, depending on what area of the ear is impacted. If you’ve recently developed hearing loss and aren’t sure what caused your symptoms, consider the following situations that can impact your ability to hear.
Loud Concerts and Venues
Loud noise and music can damage the cell membranes in the cochlea. This is because exposure to loud noise for too long can overwork the hair cells in your ear hence damaging them. Your hearing loss advances as long as you stay in noisy places and concerts.
While it might be reasonable to reduce the volume to a moderate level, that might be impossible in these venues. It will be helpful to use the earplugs supplied or even bring your ear protection. This will ensure that your ears stay protected from the loud music that may cause hearing loss.
You can also avoid staying in noisy places for too long and never stay directly next to a loudspeaker.
Infection and Disease
Ear infections are primarily bacterial in origin, and they come in various types, such as the outer ear infection called the swimmer’s ear. All ear infections cause temporary hearing loss. An innocent act like cleaning your ear with impure water can stimulate a hearing infection, leading to hearing loss eventually.
How can you recognize that you have a middle ear infection? You can notice slowed response to voices, secretions from your ear, and irritability. Transient hearing loss can be a cause for alarm. Fortunately, you can visit an audiologist for treatment, and your hearing ability will return to normal.
Some childhood diseases like whooping cough, mumps, and measles can make you deaf. It is advisable to get vaccines in good time before you have hearing loss.
Foreign Materials in The Ear
You probably know that earbuds are good for removing ear wax and other objects from your ears. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Using cotton buds and match sticks can push earwax and the stuck object more profound into the ear canal in front of your eardrum rather than remove it. This could make you vulnerable to ear infections or even hearing loss.
Once you notice a foreign object in your ear, avoid using cotton buds and other materials such as fingers, towel edges, and matchsticks. Instead, you can turn your head to the affected side to remove the stuck object.
If you have an insect or bug in your ear, use oil. Tilt your head so that the ear containing the insect is up. Then, float the insect outpouring warm liquid oil into your ear and get rid of it. Another effective way is by cleaning your ear using clean water.
If these methods fail, you will need to contact your audiologist for examination and treatment.
If you have sudden hearing loss but no ear infections, ensure to visit an audiologist. Visiting an audiologist in the early stages is essential because you may prevent experiencing permanent hearing loss. Additionally, you do not have to wait till you start having hearing loss. You can avoid sticking objects in your ears and loud places. As a result, your ears will thank you for it.
