Hearing loss causes is the fourth leading reason of disability worldwide, according to the New England Journal of Medicine. One in three people between 65 and 74 years of age have hearing loss. Furthermore, the prevalence of hearing loss doubles for every decade of life. These statistics underscore the importance of hearing healthcare and early intervention for older adults.
On the surface, hearing loss might not seem all that serious, but its implications can be. Hearing loss has been linked to higher rates of hospitalisations, falls, dementia and depression. Moreover, hearing loss can have negative psychosocial effects, such as isolation, loneliness, and anxiety.
Below are the main hearing loss causes:
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- Age-related hearing loss is the leading cause of hearing loss and it’s fundamentally the slow degeneration of the auditory system. Damage to the sensitive hair cells in the ears interferes with their ability to help you hear. This type of hearing loss is usually two-sided and people with this kind of hearing loss cannot hear high-frequency sounds well.
- Any prolonged exposure to loud noise can damage your hearing. Exposure to loud noise, such as a lawnmower, sirens or a concert can cause hearing damage, which could be temporary or permanent depending on the length of exposure and the loudness. It is important to keep in mind that can reduce your risk for hearing loss by wearing protective gear, such as headphones and earplugs.
- Chronic health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure are believed to be contributing factors to hearing loss. Suggestion to adopt a healthier lifestyle is not only good for your overall health, but it also beneficial to your hearing health.
- Certain drugs can be harmful for your hearing, including some chemotherapy medications and antibiotics.
There is unfortunately no cure for hearing loss, but it doesn’t mean that it is bound to happen. Being informed, taking proper precautions, and making healthier choices can all contribute to maintaining good hearing health.
Consulting with us at Strauss Audiology to get your hearing evaluated is a great step toward better hearing. We are qualified to help identify your specific hearing loss and can prescribe a treatment protocol to match your needs and your lifestyle.
About Strauss Audiology
Strauss Audiology is a professional audiology business in the northern suburbs of Cape Town, offering expert, effective hearing advice that is tailored to clients’ unique hearing needs. We conduct hearing evaluations, hearing tests and vertigo assessments, and provide a range of solutions to improve and protect clients’ hearing. This includes providing hearing aids to Cape Town clients. With 16 years of experience, and with the qualifications and certifications to deliver leading hearing care, you can trust us to take care of your hearing needs.
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