It’s once again time for National Audiology Awareness Month. This October, take some time to learn a little about hearing loss, why it arises, how to prevent it and why regular testing is important.
Signs of Hearing Loss
A few common signs of hearing loss include:
- Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds like birds tweeting in Anderson Park
- Repeatedly asking others to repeat themselves
- Feeling like others are mumbling
- Difficulty hearing in noisy environments
- Turning up the TV or radio louder than usual
- Feeling excessively tired after social gatherings
- Ringing in the ears
You might notice one or more of the above signs if you have hearing loss. In many cases, it will be your friends and family who point it out first, as it’s often easier to spot from the outside. If you notice the above signs from a loved one, consider talking to them about it.
Hearing Loss Causes
There are a few common causes of permanent hearing loss:
- Aging
- Noise exposure
- Genetics
- Ototoxic medications
- Certain health conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes
Temporary hearing loss may arise when you have something blocking the path of sounds through your ear. Earwax buildup or fluid from an ear infection are a couple of common causes of temporary hearing loss.
Hearing Protection
While you can’t stop yourself from aging, you can reduce your risk of hearing loss by avoiding loud noise exposure and seeking treatment for health conditions that could cause hearing loss.
The Importance of Regular Hearing Testing
Untreated hearing loss can make conversations more challenging, leave you feeling more tired by the end of the day and decrease your awareness of your surroundings. Scheduling regular hearing tests allows us to identify even small changes in hearing. An early diagnosis and treatment can significantly lessen the impact of hearing loss to set you up for success.
This October, make hearing health part of your overall wellness routine. If you’re ready to take the next step, schedule a hearing test with one of our trusted specialists at Advantage ENT & Audiology.