|
Research has shown that about ten percent of the American population suffers from some form of hearing loss. While some hearing loss is caused by genetic factors, accidents, or old age, some hearing loss is caused by damage to the ear drums. This is a preventable type of hearing loss which can be attributed to the subjection of the ear drums to loud noises for a lengthy period of time. These high-decibel noises can be found anywhere from noisy industrial environments, at rock concerts, to the streets where jack hammers are sometimes used, to construction sites where the heavy machinery, such as bulldozers roar on for hours at a time.
Some of the recognizable signs of hearing loss include a person favoring one ear over the other. This can often be seen if a person turns their head to the left side or the right side in order to try and hear or understand what is being said. Another possible sign is someone who constantly asks the speaker to repeat him or herself. This is not always a reliable sign, though, as some people develop this simply as a matter of an irritating habit. If you notice someone who tends to talk louder than normal, especially if he or she is not in a noisy environment, this could also be a sign that they need to have their hearing levels checked by a qualified professional. Hearing tests are quite simple, and they are not painful at all.
Tinnitus is a condition in that a ringing or buzzing is heard in either one or both of the ears. This,of course, affects a person's level of overall hearing. Tinnitus can be caused by an overexposure to loud noises, a medical condition, or allergies. To date, there is no cure for this condition.
What can you do to help minimize the risk of hearing loss? The basic and most common sense answer is to protect your hearing at all times when your ears are exposed to a noisy environment. Ear plugs or special noise-reducing ear muffs are most effective and can be purchased at your local drug store. They are relatively inexpensive. Since your hearing cannot be replaced once it is lost, your hearing is priceless, so it's undoubtedly worth spending a few bucks for protection. You should keep several pairs of ear plugs in your vehicle and at your home--anywhere they will be easily accessible.If racing hot rods is a favorite sport of yours, for example, you should keep a couple pairs of ear plugs with your car or in your shirt pocket so that you always have them with you.
Having your hearing tested is another way to help prevent hearing loss. By detecting any problems early, your hearing loss, if any, can be kept to a minimum.
Wearing either one or two hearing aids in the ear/ears is the most widely-known assistance for persons who have experienced some sort of hearing loss. In the past, vanity was undoubtedly a leading reason for some people to choose not to wear a hearing aid. With today's technology, though, there are now many different types of hearing aids on the market which can be inconspicuously worn in your ear or ears.
|
| |
