Hearing loss is a common condition. In fact, roughly 15% of American adults aged 18 and over report some trouble hearing.
Some causes of hearing loss are things we have no control over, like aging or genetics. However, at other times certain bad habits may be putting our hearing health at risk.
Harmful Hearing Habits
- Regular exposure to loud noise. Exposure to loud noise is one of the leading causes of hearing loss. Any sound over 85 decibels (dB) has the potential to harm your hearing. The louder the noise, the greater your risk becomes. Things like attending rock concerts, riding motorcycles and working in a loud environment like a construction site without proper hearing protection can all damage your hearing.
- Leading a sedentary lifestyle. Regular physical exercise is good for every aspect of your health, including your hearing health. That’s because exercises, like yoga or regular walks at Augusta Canal Trail, improve blood circulation and help prevent illnesses like heart disease and diabetes, both of which can increase your risk of developing hearing loss.
- Smoking. Similarly to a lack of exercise, smoking also increases your risk of diseases that can upset blood flow to your entire body, including your inner ear. This can damage the hair cells in the inner ear, which in turn can lead to permanent hearing loss.
- Excessive headphone use. Wearing headphones and particularly in-ear earbuds for long periods of time can also cause damage to the hair cells of the inner ear, especially if the volume is too loud or you spend more than eight hours a day using them.
- Ignoring ear infections. Ear infections are more common in children than adults. Additionally, most hearing loss caused by an ear infection is temporary and the result of fluid buildup in the ear that clears when the infection wanes. However, a severe or chronic ear infection can cause damage that leads to permanent hearing loss. It’s best to get any ear infection symptoms checked by a doctor to make sure you aren’t at risk for longer-lasting problems.
When To See a Hearing Specialist
If you find yourself struggling to follow conversations or need to turn the volume up louder on the TV or radio, these may be early signs of hearing loss. Make an appointment with an audiologist if you have any hearing concerns. They can perform a hearing test to determine what sounds you struggle with and recommend hearing aids or other treatment options based on your results.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Augusta – Aiken ENT & Allergy today.