May is Better Hearing Month, which was founded by the American-Speech-Language-Hearing Association in 1927. The theme for 2023 is “Building a Strong Foundation.” There are many ways you can build a strong foundation to prevent hearing loss, and if you start showing signs of hearing loss, you should take action to prevent further damage. Audiology on Call’s professional hearing care experts can come to your home and help you manage and prevent hearing loss.
The Science Behind Hearing Loss
How does hearing loss occur? In order to understand and prevent hearing loss, it helps to understand the science behind this phenomenon. According to the CDC, the average person is born with 16,000 hair cells within their inner ear, which allow the brain to detect sounds. These cells can become damaged over time, and by the time hearing loss is detected by a test, up to 30-50% of the cells are damaged or destroyed.
Hearing loss can also damage the auditory nerve that carries information about sounds to the brain. Just like with cell damage, there must be a certain amount of damage before it can be detected with a test. There is no way to restore damaged cells or nerves, but you can treat loss that has already occurred and prevent further loss.
How to Prevent Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can be genetic or come with age. If hearing loss runs in your family, or you are over 65 years of age, you should get your hearing regularly screened. If you listen to loud sounds often, you should take steps to prevent hearing loss, including regular screenings and changing your environment or using hearing protection.
Worksites such as concert venues and construction sites have a reputation for causing hearing damage, but other types of jobs pose a risk of hearing loss as well. For example, blow drying hair can cause hearing damage, so hair salon workers who use blow dryers more often than the average person are putting their hearing at risk. Even office workers who listen to music as they work could damage their hearing if they turn the volume up too loud. If your work environment exposes you to loud sounds, wear earplugs or stay away from the source of noise if you can. If you are listening to music on your headphones, keep the volume low.
What are Signs of Hearing Loss or Damage?
Whether your hearing loss is genetic or caused from environmental factors, you should go for a screening as soon as you spot the first signs of damage. Signs of hearing loss in adults include difficulty following conversations or hearing in noisy environments, and pain, discomfort, or ringing in the ears. In children, signs of hearing loss include not responding to their own name, not following simple directions, and speech and language delays.
Treat Your Hearing Loss with Help from Audiology on Call’s Hearing Care Experts!
This May, take some time to think about your hearing. If you suspect that you or a loved one is experiencing or is at risk for hearing loss, you should seek treatment as soon as possible. Audiology on Call sends hearing care experts to your home or can conduct a virtual appointment. Our services include comprehensive hearing assessments, hearing aid fittings and repairs, and tinnitus treatment. Call us at (833) 244-3275 or contact us online to make an appointment today!