Can You Prevent Hearing Loss?

How To Define Hearing Loss?

An individual is said to be suffering from hearing loss when they are not able to hear well enough in comparison to someone who has normal hearing abilities. The intensity of such abnormality ranges from mild to moderate to severe or profound. On this basis, hearing loss can be divided into four types:

1. Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A form of permanent hearing loss, caused by any damage to the inner ear.

2. Conductive Hearing Loss: It happens when the sound fails to travel through the ear canal due to blockage.

3. Mixed Hearing Loss: A mixture of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss

4. Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder: It occurs when the sound is not properly transmitted to the brain.

Common Causes Of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is not always related to an underlying condition. It may be caused by:

● Exposure to Loud noise

● Age related hearing loss

● Severe pressure changes

● Drugs that damage the ear

● Injuries

● Heredity

How To Prevent Hearing Loss?

● Avoid loud noises: Staying away from loud noises is the best way to avoid noise-induced hearing loss.

● Wear Hearing protection: This can help prevent damage that leads to hearing loss.

● Take care while using headphones: Ideally, you shouldn’t blast music in your headphones. You might also consider taking listening breaks every hour or so.

● Quit Smoking: Certain evidence suggests that nicotine and other tobacco products can cause hearing loss.

● Side-effects of Medication: Some drugs such as certain antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, OTC drugs, and anti-inflammatory drugs can also cause hearing loss.

● Make sure your ears are clear: Have your doctor check your ears for an overabundance of earwax as that can interfere with your hearing

● Punch up your healthy habits: Making a few lifestyle changes, such as improving your diet and getting more physical activity, may be good for your hearing.