Hearing loss is one of the most common conditions that comes with aging, and given its often subtle onset, it can be difficult to notice whether or not it’s happening to you. Many people also try to avoid the issue and put off making a GP or audiologist visit for fear of what they might say.
Others notice that they’re finding general conversion more difficult, but can’t really pinpoint why.
Ultimately, there are many ways hearing loss can manifest, and getting treated begins with a fundamental understanding. In this article, you’ll learn about four key elements you should know about as you work towards getting a diagnosis and improving your hearing going forward.
- Understanding the Gradual Onset
People tend to have a very binary view of their health, but sometimes, it’s important to get a fresh perspective. While you’ve likely heard stories about someone having great hearing and then, all of a sudden, drastically losing it, these sorts of scenarios are uncommon.
Far more common is to lose your hearing gradually to the point that year-to-year changes are almost imperceptible. This is why when you do notice it, a visit to an audiologist is crucial: they can provide a hearing test to establish a baseline through clear data, and then when you have your next one, you’ll be able to compare to see if your hearing is degrading.
- The Common Symptoms
There are several common symptoms to look out for when it comes to hearing loss. The first is difficulty interpreting speech: if you find that it’s harder to understand people, particularly in a group setting, you may be experiencing hearing loss (consider your ability to understand conversations in busy restaurants or at parties).
Secondly, if you’re finding that you need to have volume settings for TVs and radios on louder than others in your household, this may also indicate you have a hearing problem. Commonly, families pick up on these sorts of symptoms before you do.
- The Main Causes
There are several causes of age-related hearing loss. One of the most common is previous loud noise exposure that damages the ears over time – think loud music concerts or working a job in construction without adequate ear protection.
Sometimes, it happens for no particular reason and is simply down to normal aging. As people get older, the tiny hairs in the ear that detect sound degrade, and this can lead to a lessened ability to hear. Some medications can also damage hearing: these are known as ototoxic drugs.
- Available Treatments
While most forms of age-related hearing loss aren’t reversible, they’re almost always manageable. Firstly, taking care to avoid engaging in any behaviors that may have caused the hearing loss in the first place is essential.
Then, it’s down to building a good working relationship with an audiologist. After having a hearing test, they’ll likely offer you hearing aids if your hearing loss is affecting your day-to-day. These will be calibrated for your specific type of hearing loss, and can drastically improve not only your hearing, but also your quality of life.
Facing hearing loss can be scary, but there’s always help available. Hopefully, you’re now a little clearer on the basics.
