Hearing loss can happen to anyone, but certain factors can increase the chances of it. Knowing these risks can help you protect your ears and keep your hearing strong.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common causes and risks.
Hearing Loss Risk Factors
1. Age
As people get older, their hearing can naturally decline. This is called age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis. It usually affects both ears and makes it harder to hear high-pitched sounds or understand speech in noisy places.
2. Exposure to Loud Noises
Loud sounds from concerts, machinery, or headphones can damage the tiny hair cells in your ears. Once these cells are damaged, they can’t be repaired. Long-term exposure to noise or even one very loud sound, like a gunshot, can cause hearing loss.
3. Ear Infections and Diseases
Frequent ear infections, especially in children, can harm the eardrum or other parts of the ear. Certain illnesses, like meningitis or mumps, can also lead to hearing problems.
4. Genetics
Hearing loss can run in families. If your parents or relatives have hearing problems, you might be more likely to develop them, too.
5. Ototoxic Medications
Some medicines can harm the ears and lead to hearing loss. These are called ototoxic drugs and include certain antibiotics, cancer treatments, and pain relievers. Always talk to your doctor about medication risks.
6. Ear Wax Buildup
Too much ear wax can block sound from reaching the eardrum. While this type of hearing loss is usually temporary, it can be uncomfortable and affect your hearing. Atlantic Hearing Care has audiologists in Swampscott and Peabody, MA providing professional ear wax removal services.
7. Head or Ear Injuries
Trauma to the head or ears can damage the eardrum, inner ear, or hearing nerves. Protecting your head during sports or activities can help prevent these injuries.
8. Chronic Health Conditions
Diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease can affect blood flow to the ears, increasing the risk of hearing loss. Taking care of your overall health can help protect your hearing.
9. Smoking and Secondhand Smoke
Smoking reduces blood flow to the inner ear and can increase the risk of hearing loss. Secondhand smoke can also affect hearing, especially in children.
10. Frequent Use of Headphones or Earbuds
Listening to music or videos at high volumes for long periods can harm your hearing over time. Keep the volume at a safe level and take breaks to protect your ears.
Protecting Your Hearing
- Use Ear Protection: Wear earplugs or earmuffs in loud environments, like concerts or construction sites. Atlantic Hearing Care offers custom hearing protection in Swampscott and Peabody, MA.
- Keep the Volume Low: Follow the “60/60 rule” for headphones—listen at no more than 60% volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time.
- Regular Checkups: Visit an audiologist for hearing tests, especially if you notice changes in your hearing. Atlantic Hearing Care connects you to expert audiologists in Swampscott, MA.
Audiologists and Hearing Tests in Massachusetts
If you have trouble hearing, ringing in your ears, or feel dizzy, don’t ignore it. Early treatment can prevent further damage and improve your quality of life.
Taking steps to avoid these risks can go a long way in protecting your hearing for years to come.
Contact Atlantic Hearing Care today and be connected to expert audiologists in Swampscott and Peabody, MA.
