Hearing loss is one of today's most prevalent
chronic health conditions. You are not alone:
millions and millions of people have it and, believe
it or not, only about 30% of them are over age 65.
In fact, more than five million people between the
ages of 45 and 54 are living with mild-to-moderate
hearing loss – and the number is rapidly growing.
The Journal of the American Medical Association
reports that hearing loss is the third most prevalent
chronic health condition among older Americans
after high blood pressure and arthritis.
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
The leading cause of hearing loss is excessive exposure
to noise or exposure to very loud noises.
Examples include gunshots, loud music, and power tools.
Typically after exposure to very loud noise,
you may notice some ringing in your ears. Often, with
noise induced hearing loss you may notice that
your hearing appears to improve after the exposure, however
repeated exposure to loud noises will lead
to a permanent noise-induced hearing loss. This type of
loss typically affects both ears.
Presbycusis
This is a fancy term for hearing loss associated with aging.
It usually affects both ears and is
the most common hearing problem for seniors. Because it
affects mostly high-pitched sounds, the voices of small
children or women or the beeps from an electronic device are
examples of the sounds that can be difficult to hear for
people with this condition.
Sudden Hearing Loss
A doctor should be seen immediately to determine the cause of
sudden hearing loss. While the cause could be as simple as ear
wax, it can also signal something far more serious, and it should
be checked out with a health professional as quickly as possible.
Other Causes
Besides hearing loss that's caused by noise or aging, hearing
can also be damaged by certain medications – even aspirin in large,
daily doses. Diseases such as German Measles or a high fever can
cause damage, too. Tumors, trauma, and infections can also cause hearing loss.
You should have a medical evaluation if you believe you have hearing
loss, prior to purchasing or using any hearing aid.
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Avoid further hearing damage by taking these simple precautions:
 Remove yourself from excessive noise. If you have to shout to be heard, your environment is too loud.
- Protect your ears in noisy situations. If you are walking down the street and sirens are screeching,
cover your ears with your hands.
- If your workplace is a heavy, noise-polluted environment, make sure to wear protective earplugs. You
can get them at sporting goods and hardware stores.
- Use personal headsets responsibly. If another person can hear what you're listening to, it's too loud;
turn down the volume.
- To find out more about purchasing hearing protection online click here.
- If you suspect that you have an ear infection, see your doctor.
- Have your hearing checked annually.
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