Hearing loss can come as a result of heredity factors, old age, physical injury, occupational or recreational noises, and medication side effects, among other factors.
It could happen to you, your loved one, or someone you know, so knowing a few things about it goes a long way. On this note, below are things you should know about hearing loss.
1. Types of Hearing Loss
There are different types of hearing loss. These range from auditory neuropathy to conductive, sensorineural, and mixed hearing loss.
The most common type is sensorineural hearing loss, which occurs when the inner ear has trouble connecting to the brain. It also occurs when the minute hair cells in the cochlea are destroyed. Depending on the extent of the damage, one might be able to hear some suppressed or zero sound. It can also affect the speech of a child.
2. Aid to Hearing Loss
The sense of hearing is important for one to function in life to their best. Ears do more than just perceiving sound. They help us to achieve physical balance, for instance. Nonetheless, we all merit to enjoy a life filled with sound. Unfortunately, many people do not have this luxury. They are living in a world of quietness. Hearing loss can cause a tremendous negative impact on one’s life and relationships.
Fortunately, with the right hearing aid, your sense of sound can come back alive. Thanks to technology, hearing aid headphones are one of the solutions available to people with hearing loss. These are electronic devices that help make sound louder for people suffering from hearing challenges. Some are designed so that you can reduce the kinds of sounds you don’t want to hear.
3. Signs of Hearing Loss
It’s tormenting enough to live in a world of silence. The lack of sensitivity to sound can have a huge impact on your life and your loved ones. This is part of why it is crucial to know how to test your hearing, especially when approaching your sunset days. The best part is that these days, you can take a hearing test online in under five minutes.
A person with mild hearing loss is not the same as one with intense loss. Some of the signs to look out for include the ringing of the ears, steering clear from social noisy situations, and trouble hearing consonants, just to name a few. If you experience an unexpected loss of hearing, look for the help of a doctor at once.
4. Treatment
If you suffer from hearing loss, this doesn’t necessarily mean doom for your ears. The sense of sound could be revived or managed so you don’t completely go silent mode. Apart from hearing aids, some common treatment options for hearing loss include:
- Removal of the wax
- Surgery
- Cochlear implants
The most important aspect of communication is hearing. Hearing connects us to the people around us by easing our communication. It’s necessary in maintaining connections with friends and family. All these things and more should make anyone want to be informed about hearing loss.
