Nearly 30% of the population over 65 experience some degree of hearing loss. That’s about 50 million people in the United States alone. The level of temporary or permanent hearing loss varies among individuals, so it’s important to know the signs.
Signs And Cause of Temporary Hearing Loss
Temporary hearing loss can be treated easily if you take action at the onset of symptoms.
Temporary hearing loss is caused by:
- Infections or illness: Your nasal passages and ear canals are connected by the Eustachian tube, so if you have a cold, it’s common to develop an ear infection too.
- Ear wax: The follicles and glands in your ears produce ear wax that can build up and cause hearing loss if it’s not safely cleared away by a doctor.
- Diet: Certain foods and drinks have been linked to tinnitus. Furthermore, if you suffer from an iron deficiency, your ears will struggle to get enough oxygen to function properly.
If you’re experiencing temporary hearing loss you make notice sounds becoming muffled, dizziness, tinnitus, or difficulty hearing in noisy environments.
Be Wary of Permanent Hearing Loss
Like temporary hearing loss, permanent hearing loss can be caused by several things like genetics, aging, ear trauma, and certain medications. If you don’t take care of your temporary hearing loss early on, you also place yourself at risk of creating permanent damage.
Unfortunately, permanent hearing loss symptoms and causes are very similar to temporary hearing loss. But there are certain behaviors that indicate your hearing loss it permanent, including:
- Turning up the TV or radio to excessive volumes
- Regularly asking people to repeat themselves or speak up
- Trouble hearing consonant sounds
- Withdrawing from social situations
Can You Treat Hearing Loss?
It depends. Temporary hearing loss can often be treated by correcting the behaviors and practices that cause it. Discuss your symptoms with an audiologist or hearing specialist. They can administer hearing tests and help you determine the cause of your hearing loss.
Taking preventative measures like wearing earplugs in noisy places, keeping your ears clean, and maintaining a healthy diet are surefire ways to keep your hearing in top-notch shape.
Permanent hearing loss is different because once the hair cells in your ears are damaged, there’s no way to reverse it. However, any degree of hearing loss can benefit from the use of hearing aids. Once you’ve had a hearing test, work with your doctor to decide what hearing device is best for you.
Audiology and Hearing Aid Solutions have a variety of hearing aids and services to help you live a healthy lifestyle, regardless of your hearing loss. Call us at 888.573.6412 or schedule your appointment online.
