Now Hear This

HEARING LOSS: SYMPTOMS, CAUSES, AND SOLUTIONS

BY ANNETTE BROOKS

“Can you hear me now?” This line from a classic wireless phone company ad is humorous, but when it comes to our hearing, it’s no laughing matter when others wonder if you can hear them.

Hearing loss doesn’t just limit social interaction and verbal communication, it can lead to anger and frustration, isolation, and depression. It’s also a safety hazard when you can’t hear a car horn, a fire alarm, or other warning sounds.

HEARING LOSS CAUSES

Several culprits contribute to hearing impairment, including:

Loud noise. Noise from loud music, industrial equipment, and even products like lawn mowers and snow blowers can damage the inner ear, resulting in permanent hearing loss. Loud noise also contributes to tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

Age. Over time, wear and tear on the hairs or nerve cells in the cochlea that send sound signals to the brain can cause damage. When these electrical signals aren’t transmitted efficiently, hearing loss may occur.

Heredity. Your genetic makeup may make you more susceptible to ear damage from sound or deterioration due to aging.

Smoking. Smokers have a higher risk of suffering from noiseinduced hearing loss. Smoking irritates the middle ear lining, and the nicotine in cigarettes blocks the neurotransmitters that send auditory information to your brain.

Poor diet. Consuming excessive fats and sugars or failing to get adequate nutrients and vitamins may interfere with the flow of blood through the body, particularly to the ears.

Medication. Certain prescription medications diuretics can damage the cells inside your ears. Talk with your doctor about all potential side effects of the medications you’re taking, including hearing loss and tinnitus.

Diabetes. Hearing loss can be twice as common in people with diabetes compared to those who don’t have this disease.

Other problems that affect hearing include ear infections, ruptured ear drums, abnormal bone growths, and tumors.

BREAKING DOWN THE HEARING AID BARRIERS

Only 20% of people who would benefit from hearing aids use them, but this can be improved by debunking misconceptions and providing helpful information.

Some of the best news is that bulky, old-fashioned hearing aids are a thing of the past. Today’s ultra-small, high-tech hearing aids are barely noticeable. Chances are most people you meet won’t even realize you’re wearing them.

Next generation hearing aid technology also works better than ever to help address hearing loss. Sophisticated features and functions include, but are not limited to, programmability for a personalized listening experience, advanced sound processing, frequency response, fully integrated sensors, the use of AI (artificial intelligence), digital noise reduction, and connectivity to smartphones and other devices via Bluetooth.

Lastly, cost concerns can be overcome for most people. Hearing aids aren’t generally covered by third-party insurances or programs like Medicare but ask your audiologist about affordable payment options and financing.