Hearing loss is often associated with getting older, but it can happen to people of any age. It’s not always caused by genetics; instead, it can be influenced by different environmental factors that can cause hearing loss. So, who is most at risk for hearing loss?

How Common is Loss of Hearing?

It doesn’t matter how old you are; you can experience hearing problems at a very young age or never have an issue until you are older. There are many variables and causes of hearing loss, some even genetic. All over the world, people experience hearing loss. But there is a wide range from mild to profound. An audiologist can help diagnose, track and manage any issues you have with your hearing and hearing aids.

Individuals Who Listen to Loud Music

Many modern music devices include warnings when you turn the volume up too high. Despite this, some people still choose to listen to music at unsafe volumes for long periods, which can lead to damage to your ears. The louder the music and the longer you listen, the greater the risk. To protect your ears, keep the volume at a safe level and take breaks from listening to loud music.

Individuals Who Have Been Injured

People who have been injured, especially to the head or ears, are at higher risk for hearing loss. Trauma from accidents, falls or blows to the head can damage the inner ear or the nerves responsible for hearing. This type of injury can lead to problems with hearing that might not show up right away but can become noticeable over time. Even minor injuries can sometimes affect hearing, so it’s important to get checked by a doctor if you’ve had any head or ear injuries. Early treatment can help prevent further hearing damage.

Medical-Related Hearing Loss

Patients with certain medical conditions are also at risk of losing their hearing. If you have a specific illness, such as chicken pox, meningitis or mumps, you can experience a loss of hearing. There are also ear diseases that can cause this, such as otosclerosis or Meniere’s disease.

How to Prevent Hearing Problems

Genetics and medical issues aside, you can enjoy a lifetime of ear health with the proper care. Like going to the dentist or optician, seeing an audiologist every few years can help find and treat issues related to your ears. However, you must also learn to take care of your ears. This includes caring for them correctly by not using cotton swabs that can damage them. Instead, use ear drops once per month to clear out anyway and protect your ears from loud sounds and music or see an audiologist for a professional ear cleaning.

It is common to experience hearing loss at some point in your life for various reasons. However, it can also happen when you are young due to aging, medical reasons or poor ear care. Caring for your ears correctly can help prevent hearing loss. If you want to learn more about hearing loss, schedule an appointment with an audiologist.