Can Hearing Loss be Prevented?

Hearing loss is total or partial incapability to hear and it can be acquired at any time and age. Some are born with this inability. Hearing loss might occur in both or one ear. Numerous issues can lead to hearing loss. There are three types of hearing loss:

• Conductive: This is where the middle or outer ear is affected. You can correct this loss by surgery or medication. 
• Sensorineural: The inner ear is affected. A person with sensorineural loss can benefit from a cochlear implant, hearing aid, or communication therapies. 
• Mixed: This is the combination of the two, meaning the outer, middle, and inner ear is affected. 

There are hearing loss facts that can expand your understanding about losing your hearing ability and inspire you to take action:

• According to the CDC, approximately 40 million Americans ages 20-69 may experience noise-induced hearing loss. 
• Individuals working in a noisy environment, exposed to loud sounds and are 40 years and above are at higher risk of experiencing this loss.  
• Hearing aids can offer excellent improvement. 
• Anyone, from children to seniors, can experience hearing loss.

Causes of hearing loss

There can be multiple causes of hearing loss including:

• Certain medications: Some chemotherapy drugs may damage your inner ear, leading to sensorineural hearing loss. You may also experience tinnitus if you take high doses of loop diuretics, antimalarial medicines, aspirin and other pain relievers. 
• Occupational noises: If you work in places where loud noise is present, such as construction or in a factory, your inner ear might get damaged. 
• Aging: Aging is among the leading causes of hearing loss. The inner ear structures degenerate over time. 
• Loud noise: Getting exposed to loud sounds can damage your inner ear cells. 

Can hearing loss be prevented? 

Absolutely, yes! However, one cannot prevent all types of hearing loss. There are p steps you can take to minimize the chances of experience hearing inability. A hearing healthcare professional can examine your hearing and guide you on preventing hearing loss. 

The hearing inability can get prevented in the following ways:

Beware of some medications

There are hundreds of prescription and over-the-counter drugs associated with hearing loss. They range from simple painkillers such as aspirin to chemotherapy drugs. In some cases, your hearing care provider may prescribe alternative medicines to minimize the risk of hearing loss caused by drugs.

Manage your cardiac health and blood pressure 

A healthy cardiovascular system is beneficial for your auditory system. Low blood flow can affect your hearing ability. The hair cells in the cochlear rely on good blood circulation. 

If blood and oxygen circulation is inadequate, the delicate hair cells can get damaged, leading to permanent hearing loss. 

Avoid loud noises 

Keep away from loud noise to avoid noise-induced hearing inability. Noise is loud enough to affect your hearing if:

• It hurts your ears
• You need to raise your voice to talk to the next person.
• You have muffled hearing afterward.

You can prevent hearing loss. But it would help if you took precautions before your hearing inability becomes permanent. You may also consider having hearing checks regularly, perhaps once a year.