Common Causes Of Hearing Loss And How To Prevent Them

Hearing loss can stem from various factors, and being aware of its common causes is vital for prevention and maintaining optimal hearing. Prolonged exposure to loud noises, like blaring music or noisy machinery, is a major culprit. Another contributing factor is the natural aging process, which gradually wears down the delicate inner ear structures. Certain medical conditions and medications can also harm hearing, while ear infections, excessive earwax, and head or ear injuries can impact auditory abilities.

To prevent hearing loss, it’s crucial to use ear protection in noisy environments, limit exposure to loud sounds, maintain good ear hygiene, and seek timely medical care for ear-related issues. By understanding these common causes and taking proactive steps, individuals can preserve their hearing health and continue to enjoy the richness of sounds around them.

Damage to the Inner Ear

Exposure to very loud noise or aging can contribute to hearing loss. The main reason for this is that, over time, the hairs or cells in the cochlea transmit sound signals to the brain. If these hairs should get damaged, or if they are missing entirely then these electric signals are not transmitted as they should be. This can result in hearing loss.

Earwax Build-up

If you have a lot of earwax then this can again, contribute to hearing loss. Earwax can block the ear canal and it can also stop soundwaves from conducting as easily. Earwax removal can help you to get your full hearing back so you can then begin to live your life as normal.

Ruptured Eardrum

If you have a ruptured eardrum then this can also contribute to hearing loss. Blasts of noise or even sudden changes in pressure can contribute to you having a ruptured eardrum. Poking the eardrum itself with an object or getting an infection can cause this issue to happen, and it can drastically affect your hearing.

What Can you Do to Prevent Hearing Loss?

Your inner ear contains delicate cells that are very sensitive to changes in blood flow. If cells like this are damaged then you may experience hearing loss. The more you take care of your body, the more likely you are to stop hearing loss from occurring. You may also find that it is easier for you to maintain the residual hearing you have as well.

Managing Blood Pressure

One thing you can do to try and help yourself would be for you to manage your blood pressure as well as your cardiac health. High blood pressure, along with heart disease can damage the fragile mechanisms in your ear. If you have high cholesterol or if you have very high blood pressure then it is imperative that you follow the advice of your doctor.

Stop Smoking

Studies have shown time and time again that cigarette smoke, whether it is directly or second-hand can affect your hearing health. Heavy alcohol use can also create a toxic environment for your ears. Vaping and its connection to hearing loss hasn’t been studied that much, but there have been reports released that do link it to spontaneous hearing loss.

Diabetes

If you have diabetes then it is so important that you do what you can to keep it under control. Research has shown that if you have diabetes then you are twice as likely to have hearing loss. Diabetes can, over time, damage the cells that line the inside of your ear. If you can, you need to keep your blood sugar under control and you also need to follow your doctor’s orders when it comes to managing your condition.

Exercise

Exercise is ideal if you want to improve blood flow and it also helps your body and your ear health. Just make sure that you are careful about listening to loud music when you do workout. Incorrect weightlifting has also been linked to poor ear health as well.

Eat The Right Foods

Did you know that foods that are high in B12, potassium and magnesium are all vital if you want to hear properly? Iron-deficiency anemia is linked to hearing loss as well so make sure that you keep this in mind. If you don’t do so already then eating a diet that is high in iron will help you to limit the effects of hearing loss.

If you want to learn more about hearing loss then it is a good idea for you to contact a hearing instrument specialist. We can work with you to find the treatments you need to improve your quality of life! Reach the friendly team at Sound Choice Hearing by calling (505) 565-7960 today!