Facts about Damage to Hearing

People often have several preconceived misconceptions regarding hearing loss. This is why it is important to clear up these misunderstood notions so that people can overcome the stigma that comes along with hearing loss. Hearing loss is the third most prevalent health condition in the United States, which is why it is important that you familiarize yourself with some of the facts that come along with it.

The World Health Organization states that hearing loss is extremely common and affects 360 million people all around the globe. This means it affects well over 5% of the global population! It may come as a surprise to learn that over 50% of those affected by hearing loss are below the age of 65! This means that unlike popular belief, hearing loss is not a problem of the elderly population alone. It can affect anyone at any point in their lifetime.

Our ears are often seen as mundane parts of the body that are only responsible for hearing. Nothing can be further from the truth. Hearing loss can result in several other health problems such as cardiovascular disease, cognitive disabilities such as dementia, diabetes, and other serious health conditions. The Johns Hopkins University states that hearing loss can result in reduction in cognitive abilities that heightens the likelihood of the onset of dementia.

You may not know this, but the fluid in our ears is what is keeping us upright! Our sense of balance and equilibrium is entirely dependent on the balance of the fluid within our inner ear. Hearing loss often disrupts this fluid balance, which can cause injuries due to falling. This is why hearing loss should not be taken lightly. Even those with only a mild degree of hearing impairment have a tripled likelihood of taking a tumble in comparison to those who have regular hearing. The higher the severity of your hearing loss, the increased risk you put yourself at for falling.

Hearing loss is often neglected due to the mistaken belief that it is a gradual process that occurs over a period of several years. Even though this may be the case some of the time, but in some cases hearing loss can occur instantaneously! If you exposure yourself to any sound level that exceeds 140dB, such as a bomb explosion, gunshot, or other loud machinery, you may cause permanent hearing damage instantly!

People often ignore that nagging, ringing sensation in their ears as nothing but a minor annoyance. In fact, tinnitus is often a sign of an underlying health condition, including hearing loss. Recent research indicates that some type of hearing loss is responsible for 90% of all the cases of Tinnitus! This is why you should never neglect the ringing sensation in your ears, especially if it persists for an extended period of time.

The more you know, the better prepared you are of taking care of yourself and your loved ones. Share the knowledge and make sure you take annual hearing examinations to detect early signs of hearing loss. People have a better prognosis if they seek treatment for less severe types of hearing loss as opposed to the more severe types. Hearing loss does not affect only your ears, it affects your entire life, so do not delay and seek the help you need today!