COMMON CAUSES OF HEARING LOSS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT

 

Many things can cause hearing loss, most of which we still cannot do much about - in spite of the advancements in medical technology. However, there are advantages to KNOWING more about the potential causes of hearing loss, especially as they can help with early detection/diagnosis and possibly minimising the nature of hearing loss eventually recorded. As with most other bodily malfunctions or disorders, early investigation or detection can be useful in tackling a hearing loss problem. This is why hearing specialists often recommend periodic hearing assessments especially for people who are exposed to environments that predispose them to developing this problem.

This article describes some potential causes of hearing loss.

1. Noise Induced Hearing Loss:This can happen due to exposure to a Noisy Work environment - for instance, not using hearing protection in a packaging/bottling hall or manufacturing plant with loud machines operating. Sound levels above 85 decibels qualify to be called “Noise” and have potential to cause hearing loss with prolonged exposure.

A study found that workers in a plant who were exposed to excessive noise (above 85 decibels) and did not routinely use hearing protection tended to develop permanent hearing loss. The same logic applies to prolonged exposure to non-workplace situations (i.e. Noisy Play Environments) in which high noise levels occur e.g. party venues with loud music etc. In the USA, an initiative called “Dangerous Decibels” aimed at sensitizing young people to the potential damage of loud music etc is one that re-enforces the point being made.

2. Tobacco Induced Hearing Loss (TIHL): Not many people are aware of this type of hearing loss. Proposals have been made that cigarette manufacture be outlawed to facilitate the prevention of TIHL. Research studies have shown that people who smoke are more predisposed to developing hearing loss. And the longer they continue smoking, the worse the condition becomes.

A relatively recent study reported in the Journal of the Association for Research into Otolaryngology that “Smoking Reduces Blood Flow, Threatens Hearing” (17 June 2008).

Read More : Common Causes of Hearing Loss You Should Know About