Hearing loss is a common phenomenon today. It is a vast topic which ranges from the function and structure of the ear to hearing aids and protection. Below you can find 10 shocking facts about hearing loss which can assist you in understanding what this condition entails.
- Forty-eight million US Citizens Suffer from Hearing Loss
About 48 U.S citizens suffer from some degree of hearing loss. In other words, one in every five people you come across have some level of hearing difficulty.
- Medications Can Cause Hearing Loss
Certain medications can result in damage to the ear that would lead to ringing in the ear, hearing loss, or issues with balance. These types of drugs are ototoxic. If anything, more than 200 medications have been identified as ototoxic. You can learn more about these medications by visiting the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
- There are Consequences if Left Untreated
If left untreated, hearing loss can have significant consequences. This condition can result in poor communication, frustration in noisy situations, depression, isolation, and withdrawal from daily activities such as watching TV or speaking on the phone.
- Hearing Loss Among the Elderly
Hearing loss increases with age. Approximately 42 percent of individuals above 50 years suffer from this condition, increasing to roughly 71 percent for those aged 70 and above. For the approximately 400,000 people living in care homes, about 75 percent are said to have hearing problems.
- Various Hearing Aids are Available
There are different kinds of hearing aids that can be used to remedy the hearing loss. These include in the ear, behind the ear, in the canal, bone conduction and bone-anchored. These gadgets are constantly evolving to offer better sound quality and device interactions.
- Noisy Environment Contribute to Hearing Loss
People who spend most of their time in noisy environments are prone to hearing loss. These include car racers, factory workers, musicians, riflemen, among others. Proper measures need to be taken to protect one’s hearing. Avoid prolonged stays in places that are filled with a lot of noise.
- Hearing Loss is of Different Kinds
There are various kinds of hearing loss. These include sensorineural which is permanent and manageable and conducive, which is treatable. The remedy can be in the form of medication or treatment, but the use of hearing aids is the common solution to these conditions.
- Dementia and Hearing Loss
If unassisted, people who have mild hearing loss could easily develop dementia as opposed to those without hearing problems. The same applies to individuals with moderate and severe hearing loss who are highly likely to develop dementia.
- Sound over 85 Decibels can be Harmful
More than a billion individuals in the world susceptible to hearing loss due to exposure to loud sounds. Prolonged subjections to sounds of 85 decibels and above can easily lead to permanent hearing loss.
- Hearing Loss is Unique to Different People
Two people cannot have precisely the same hearing condition because people hear a mixture of sounds in a different way. For that reason, it is advisable to have your hearing condition assessed by the ENT so they can determine the extent of your hearing problem.
Conclusion
The above are facts about hearing loss you need to know. In case you are experiencing some problems with your ears, make sure you seek medical assistance to have your situation rectified.
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