It's true that hearing loss comes with age, in fact, a reported up to 50% of those over 75 are affected. However, the World Health Organization reports that approximately 17% of teenagers and 19% of people in their 20s have signs of hearing loss, and much is likely noise-induced, especially in this digital day and age.
Taking proactive steps to protect your hearing can significantly reduce the risk of hearing loss and contribute to overall auditory well-being. Here are some things to note:
Primary Causes of Hearing Loss:
Exposure to Loud Noise: Prolonged exposure to high-decibel sounds – whether it's at the workplace, from frequent concerts, or from cranking the volume on your ear buds – is the number one culprit.
Aging: An obvious one, as explained above – but it's been proven that hearing gradually declines with age.
Genetics: According to the National Institute of Health, 50% of hearing loss can be blamed on genetics.
Ear Infections: These come about more often with babies and toddlers, and recurrent or untreated infections can lead to impaired hearing down the road.
Certain medications, cardiovascular issues, loud workplace environments, and even smoking can also impact hearing.
Preventing Hearing Loss:
Regular hearing check-ups can help track your auditory health, and taking protective measures against excessive noise can also help mitigate the impact of hearing loss across all age groups. Aside from the obvious – such as using ear protection in loud environments, keeping music and other audio devices at moderate levels, and keeping your distance from sources of excessive noise, others include: Taking listening breaks from continuous exposure to loud sounds in order to recover; maintaining ear hygiene; consulting with healthcare professionals about the potential side effects of medications; adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle.
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