You may think that most people with hearing loss are elderly, but this is not the case. Despite widespread misconceptions, hearing loss doesn’t only affect the elderly. Only a third of all individuals with hearing loss exceed 65 years of age. The disorder can affect anyone, even those in their 30s and 40s.
When you’re in your 30s or 40s, you may not know that you already have hearing loss.
Approximately 48 million Americans are affected by hearing loss. Over 20% of these adults are under the age of 40. Younger people often have hearing loss attributed to chronic loud noise exposure, which is by far the leading cause. Even very young people experience hearing loss. In fact, one out of every five people in their 20s already experiences some hearing loss.
How Do You Get Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss can occur because of many different circumstances, some of which are well known, while others are less well understood.
We do know that an excessively loud environment damages tiny hair cells of the inner ear, causing noise-induced hearing loss. The louder the sound, the more quickly hearing loss occurs; the higher the decibel (dB) level, the more damage is done.
You may not notice any damage to your ears at first since it usually occurs gradually. Approximately one in four people aged 20 to 69 have measurable hearing loss, despite thinking they have excellent hearing. The fact that you don’t recognize the problem doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.
When 85 dB, roughly the sound of traffic, sets in, damage can take anywhere from eight to twenty-four hours. The amount of time you can be exposed to noise is cut in half for every additional 3 dB, so at 100 dB (the noise level of a noisy football stadium), you could suffer permanent damage after just 15 minutes.
What Are the Warning Signs?
You can improve your long-term hearing prognosis if you learn to identify the warning signs of hearing loss. You will likely not notice a hearing impairment for some time, but the longer you leave it untreated, the more likely you will become ill.
It is crucial to detect hearing impairment early! The gradual nature of hearing impairment means you might not realize it for some time, but the longer you wait to treat it, the greater the likelihood of complications. Listen for the following signs of hearing loss if you’re in your 30s or 40s:
- Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears (or another phantom sound), is often regarded as an early indicator of hearing loss.
- In general, women’s and children’s voices are difficult to understand at an early stage of hearing loss since high frequencies are usually affected first.
- Having to turn up the volume on the TV or radio or asking people to repeat themselves.
Typically, high-frequency hearing loss is the first symptom. Consequently, familiar sounds, like background noise and everyday conversations, are muffled. The problem gradually worsens over time.
Recognizing the signs of hearing loss will enhance your chances for a good outcome in the long run. Early detection and taking steps to treat the problem ahead of time are essential.
It also avoids the psychological, physical, and social symptoms of poor hearing, which include anxiety, loneliness, depression, memory loss, and dementia, as well as having a higher risk for diabetes and kidney disease. It doesn’t matter what your age or profession is. These issues can have a powerful effect.
What Can You Do?
A hearing test is an excellent way to maintain your hearing health. When you’re in your 20s, it’s a good idea to have a baseline hearing test, even if your hearing seems to be okay. Following a follow-up test (recommended every five years), your doctor can compare the results and look for changes in your hearing.
The damage caused by noise can be prevented. Several measures can be taken to maintain healthy hearing. These include:
- When participating in loud activities, you should wear hearing protection.
- When listening to music, don’t set the volume higher than 60 percent.
- When listening to music for extended periods of time, give your ears periodic breaks.
Communicating, speaking, and learning requires an intact hearing system. In addition to negatively affecting speech and language comprehension, communication, classroom learning, and social development, even a small amount of hearing loss can severely impact speech and language development.
On average, hearing-impaired children do not perform as well in school as their hearing-unimpaired peers without proper intervention. Also, hearing loss accounts for depression and anxiety and can sometimes even result in more severe conditions such as dementia.
The Bottom Line
Having your hearing checked regularly is vital to avoid any adverse effects. If you believe that you or a loved one may be suffering from hearing loss, it is crucial to seek help immediately.
If you live in the Las Vegas area, consider using Hearing Associates of Las Vegas for all your auditory needs. Locally rooted in the area, we are a one-stop shop for all things hearing in Las Vegas.
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