Most people take their ability to hear for granted. A sense that we are naturally born with, hearing is an essential feature of the body that is very difficult to live without. From daily conversations to navigation, hearing makes life comfortable. Unfortunately, various things can happen in life that can lead to loss of hearing. Turning to faith in technology brings surprising results, and modern innovations ensure that even those who suffer from hearing loss can still regain use of that sense. From hearing aids to other support systems, we no longer live in a world where signs of hearing loss can lead to a permanent damage in lifestyle.

According to WebMD, at least 37 million Americans suffer from hearing related problems. Not everyone immediately approaches a doctor. Many people choose to go ahead with their lives while accommodating this issue. Loss of hearing is not to be taken lightly, and even if the symptoms appear gradually, without treatment, the damage could be irreparable. Loss of hearing also directly affects how you lead your life, causing problems in conducting daily affairs. Not only are you affected medically, but your mental, emotional and social well being could be affected as well. It is important to be aware of the signs that lead to hearing loss. As soon as you feel that your ability to hear is interfering with your life, immediately seek medical advice. The following are the causes that could indicate why you may be suffering from hearing loss.

Age: The aging process could impact your ability to hear, with the ear’s capacity gradually reducing as you age. Loud noise: Prolonged or sudden exposure to loud noises can damage your hearing. Ear infection: If left untreated, ear infections can lead to permanent hearing loss. Eardrum trauma: Severe impact or force when applied on the ear can cause damage leading to a loss of hearing. Cholesteatoma: A condition that involves the growth of skin through a hole in the eardrum, it must be treated immediately. Illness: or infections like measles, meningitis, syphilis and mumps. Meniere’s Disease: A disorder of the inner ear that causes the sensation of ringing in the ears, dizziness and hearing that is disrupted. Tumors: A tumor in the ear is not just uncomfortable, but dangerous. A doctor should be consulted immediately as it could point to certain underlying conditions. Having something stuck in your ear: The object should be removed as soon as possible to prevent damage to the ears. Medications: Always do research on the side effects of medications, and consult a doctor if you feel that it is affecting your ears. Genetic autoimmune disorders: Consulting a doctor can ensure that you are provided with technology that ensures you can hear.

Hearing loss is something that can either occur gradually, or all of a sudden depending on the causative factor. Damage resulting from physical force can be felt a lot faster than if the condition stemmed from an autoimmune disease. It is important to be aware of the symptoms leading to hearing loss. Not only are you aware of what to look for, a sense of awareness can lead you to a doctor faster. Hearing loss, although not preventable, is restorable. But the affected patient needs to reach the doctor in time. The following are the main symptoms that anyone suffering from hearing loss is likely to experience:

Pain or pressure in either or both ears: Never ignore the signs of pain in your ears, as this is the first symptom that there is something wrong. Dizziness or vertigo: Our sense of balance is linked to our ears. Any failure on the part of the ear to function can create a sense of dizziness in the body. Ringing in the ears: A constant ringing in the ears is indicative of the fact that there is underlying damage that must be addressed. Asking people to repeat information: You could find yourself unable to properly hear what the people around you are saying, it could cause embarrassment. However this is a sign that there could be underlying damage to your ears that requires medical attention. High volumes: Constant exposure to high volumes can limit your ear’s ability to be receptive to lower level sounds. If you feel you cannot properly hear things that are not otherwise loud, consider approaching a doctor. Difficulty understanding what people are saying: A loss of hearing reduces your ability to communicate with the people around you. A typical first sign that there is something wrong with your hearing. Feeling anxious around others: Your inability to communicate with others can cause stress, anxiety and emotional distress. It can lower your quality of life. And create further problems.

According to the Better Hearing Institute, none of these can permanently change your quality of life should you approach a doctor in time. Technology, research and innovation have ensured that there are hearing aids that can help restore your ability to hear. In addition to this, there are also sound assisted living devices that can help the worst of cases to hear again. Although you will have to depend on technology should the situation be particularly severe, you will at least be able to hear again. In addition, many of these devices are portable and will not restrict your movement or the ability to conduct your daily affairs in any way.

There is no need to give up on your ability to hear. People often neglect to see a doctor on time. Whether the reason be a lack of awareness, a busy schedule, or a general fear of finding out what is happening to them. There is a need to fight these distractions and focus on the most important thing in your life – your health. If you cannot imagine a life without the ability to hear, then do not neglect to seek medical advice. With the right treatment at the right time, your hearing could be restored and you would face no further problems.

Source: Dr. Aaron Tabor MD
“Signs To Look Out For That May Mean You Are Experiencing Hearing Loss”