If you already have hearing loss, there’s no way to restore it unless there’s a treatable medical condition that caused it. But if it’s not a medical condition, rather just age-related or noise-related hearing loss, 95% of the time it can be successfully treated.
If the damage hasn’t been done yet, and you have normal hearing they’re are ways to prevent severe hearing loss; And you shouldn’t think just because you could take loud noise in your youth, that you can still take it later in life without the possibility of permanent damage; aging affects every aspect of our health including hearing.
The sad part about hearing loss is it’s almost always permanent…the only exception is certain medical conditions that can be treated such as middle ear infections and certain other conditions that your doctor can advise you on.
The World Health Organization estimates one billion young individuals around the globe are at risk of hearing loss because of unsafe listening practices; Especially with the popular listening devices, loud headphones, concerts etc. 10% of our current population already has hearing loss.
A few of the easy measures: Using ear plugs when you’re exposed to loud noise is highly recommended. Avoid being too close to speakers at a friends house or a live act at the local bar and concerts. Think more about loud noise exposure before you’re exposed to it so you can do something about it when it suddenly happens. Do you go shooting or hunting? Avoid inexpensive hearing protection! Gun shots are so potentially damaging, you need quality protection to help prevent hearing loss.
Here’s a list of probable risks that generate sound above 85 decibels (DB) which is the maximum level for safe hearing:
90-100 DB: Lawn movers— especially older ones - If you mow your lawn or use heavy equipment, use ear plugs.
80-110 DB: Attending local fairs—Those race cars can hurt your ears if you’re too close and the small entertainment venues can get loud too.
80-100 DB: Hair driers near your ear without ear plugs can also put you at risk.
Taking a helicopter ride or working near loud airplanes or vehicles.
120 DB and above: Shooting ranges and just about any military position
90-110 DB: Subway trains
115 DB: Baby’s cry - Be careful when holding a crying baby near your ear.
110 DB: Car horn
100 DB: Snowmobiles and other off road vehicles
We are exposed to so many noises that can cause hearing loss; Care should be taken in the same way you wear glasses for your eyes. Preventive maintenance can potentially help you avoid the need for hearing aids for many years.
But if hearing loss has already occurred or you’re not sure how severe your hearing loss may be, having your ears checked is FREE at Crystal Clear Hearing Aids. And there’s no pressure to purchase anything when you visit us.
Treating your hearing loss can save other health issues that have been known to increase when hearing loss is present:
Dementia—Up to 5 times greater risk of getting dementia when hearing loss is not treated
Headaches
Frustrated loved ones when you ask them to repeat themselves often
Depression and feeling secluded
Accidents: Like not hearing a quiet car in a parking lot
Discrimination: toward the person with Hearing loss
Compensation behaviors: When pretending you hear, people pick up on your miscommunication
Anger and frustration: in relationships and co-workers
Depression: and depressive symptoms
Anxiety
Social phobias
Noise at work has been such a culprit for hearing loss that the U.S. government has finally enacted a ‘Noise at work” act in 2005, which mandates employers to provide ear plugs to employees who are exposed to loud noise on the job.
Of course most of us don’t have ear plugs readily available so it’s a good idea to keep a pair in your purse, pocket, car and at work.
