In our last post, we shared information on hearing exams. Although they may sound intimidating, they are painless and relatively quick. Your insurance may cover the hearing exams entirely, and the Orlando ENT Hearing Center staff will give you any appointment details.
After the hearing exam:
A hearing exam can give a doctor a true diagnosis of hearing loss. Once hearing loss is confirmed, doctors usually need to find the root of the issue. What was the cause of hearing loss?
Let’s dive into different causes of hearing loss. Hearing loss is a very vague term used for many types of hearing issues. First, we will look further into hearing loss caused by damage to the inner ear. Aging and exposure to loud noises may cause slow and steady damage to the hairs or nerve cells in the cochlea.
The cochlea are very important as they send sound signals to the brain. If those hairs or nerve cells are damaged or missing, the electrical signals are not transmitted as efficiently. When the signals are not delivered correctly, a person experiences hearing loss.
With this sort of hearing loss, higher pitched tones may become a bit muffled. It may become difficult for you to pick out specific words against background noise. Next, there can be a physical block.
Gradual buildup of earwax can block the ear canal. This physically prevents conduction of sound waves. Earwax removal approved and performed by a medical professional at Orlando ENT Hearing Center may help restore hearing to its original state.
An ear infection, abnormal bone growths, or tumors can cause a great deal of hearing loss. In the outer or middle ear, any of these issues can cause hearing loss. Loud blasts of noise, a sudden change in pressure, poking the eardrum with an object, and an infection can cause the eardrum to rupture.
Tympanic membrane perforation, or a ruptured eardrum, is surely to affect your hearing either mildly or severely.
People at-risk for hearing loss:
Naturally, degeneration of the inner ear structures occurs over time. As we age, hearing is affected like our vision. Loud noise can physically damage your ears. Exposure to loud sounds can permanently and temporarily hurt the cells of the inner ear.
It may occur with long-term exposure to noises or from a short blast of noise. It is very important to prevent potential hearing loss where you can. For instance, if you work where there is loud noise regularly, wear necessary hearing protection.
The following are occupational settings that may put people at risk for hearing loss:
- farming
- construction
- assembly lines, factory work
- amusement parks
- airports
- train stations
Exposure to recreational noises such as noises made by firearms or jet engines can cause immediate, permanent hearing loss. Riding a snowmobile, jet ski, and motorcycle are also hazardous to your hearing.
The following hobbies and sports also pose a threat to hearing health:
- football
- baseball
- lacrosse
- paintballing
- racing
Unfortunately, your genetic makeup may make you more susceptible to hearing loss. Your genetics may put you at-risk for ear damage from sound or deterioration from aging. Come back next time as we share more about hearing loss.
Water safety prevents death:
This month, we are sharing about water safety as Memorial Day and Summer activities usually involve water in Central Florida! Everyone near water should know the basics of swimming. This includes floating, moving through water, and taking breaths.
Every adult should be cognizant when near water and should known CPR. For children ages one to four years old, learning to swim in formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88 percent.
Invest in your child’s life, and look into swimming lessons this summer. If you cannot afford this, do not avoid water altogether. Introduce your child to water and seek professional advice on ways to do so safely and effectively.
Check out this informative site for more information. Have a safe Memorial Day!
Staff Writer
