In most cases, hearing loss doesn’t affect only the elderly; individuals younger and older are also affected by the condition. In the United States, there are an estimated 48 million people who suffer from hearing loss.
The leading cause of hearing loss is noise, affecting young people more than older ones. In their 20s, one out of five people experience hearing loss, and these numbers rise even higher by the time they reach their 30s and 40s.
Causes of Hearing Loss for Younger Adults
Loud noise damages the cochlea’s hair cells, causing permanent hearing loss (noise-induced hearing loss). More deafening noise can cause damage in a shorter amount of time. But at what volume does too loud sound become destructive? Hearing is considered safe below 85 decibels (dB).
Hearing loss can occur after eight hours of exposure to 85 dB – the sound of traffic in an urban area. However, it only takes 15 minutes before you start to seriously damage your ears at 100 dB, which is comparable to the sound of a loud sports arena.
The early stages of hearing loss are difficult to recognize by many people. Hearing loss usually develops over time, so you probably won’t notice it. The brain diverts resources from other cognitive functions to fill in the blanks when it comes to hearing. No matter how unaware you think you are, the problem still exists.
Other Factors that Contribute to Hearing Loss
Hearing loss occurs due to numerous factors, including:
- Exposure to loud noises,
- High blood pressure, diabetes,
- An ear infection
- Otosclerosis- an abnormal bone growth in the ear
Why Proper Treatment Is Critical
Finding the proper treatment for hearing loss is imperative, especially if you are a parent, since your condition may potentially affect your child. Getting a hearing aid will not only make your children safer, but it may also be the only way you’ll get to hear them laugh and speak clearly.
Hearing loss makes processing high-frequency sounds difficult. This can be an issue if your job requires good hearing. Hearing aids can help you remain in the workforce, increasing your earnings and retirement savings.
In addition, a hearing aid is effective in easing depression and isolation that happens when you can’t hear well.
Engaging in social activities plays a vital role in the career advancement process, meeting future partners, and building lasting friendships among adults – all of which are important for younger adults.
Signs of Hearing Loss
In your 30s and 40s, you should look out for the following signs of hearing loss:
- Tinnitus– generally described as ringing in the ears.
- Higher frequencies are difficult to hear– women’s and children’s voices are hard to understand.
- Turning the TV or radio up higher than usual to hear
- Avoiding social situations
- Asking others to speak up all the time
- Not understanding conversations
To help young people protect their hearing, they need to let go of the idea that they will never lose their hearing. They are much more likely to actively prevent early-onset hearing loss if they accept pre-existing hearing loss as a possibility.
Protecting your Hearing
While hearing loss may be a scary thought, there are many things you can do to prevent hearing loss before it happens.
Buying devices or appliances with low noise ratings is a good idea. Ask the manager to lower the sound if a restaurant, movie theater, or other place is too loud.
If at all possible, turn down the volume. There is too much noise in an environment if someone has to shout to be heard above the background noise.
Avoid loud environments when you can by wearing earplugs or noise-canceling headphones.
Frequent ear cleaning will help prevent earwax buildup and interference. You should not use a Q-tip to remove earwax. Pushing the wax into the ear canal instead of removing it can cause further damage. If you want to clean your ears, use an irrigation kit that softens ear wax so it can be easily removed with a damp cloth. It can typically be purchased at your local pharmacy or chemist.
An audiologist should perform a hearing test if you experience these symptoms of hearing loss. It is essential to catch the problem early and begin treatment as soon as possible. Doing so will protect you from further damage, and it will also reduce your risk of health problems such as anxiety, loneliness, depression, memory loss, dementia, diabetes, and kidney disease.
If you believe you may have hearing loss, visit Hearing Asscociates of Las Vegas to learn more. It is not too late to take the first steps toward healthy hearing.
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