Nine Issues that Contribute to Long-term Hearing Loss

 

1. Chronic Exposure to Loud Noise

 

Are you one of the more than twenty-two million American workers exposed to excessive levels of noise in the workplace? Are you one of those listening to music with loud headphones, shooting firearms on a consistent basis, riding motorcycles, or working with motorized lawn and garden tools? These devices can cause individual hearing loss at alarmingly high rates. Most noise is painless, and the damage caused from excessive noise is progressive, permanent and preventable. Noise exposure is the second most common cause of hearing loss worldwide and is the most preventable. You should wear hearing protectors or avoid exposure to loud sounds.  For instance, Turn down the volume and reduce the length of time you listen to your iPod, or wear noise canceling or noise reduction earphones typically listen to music at safer levels.

 

2. Conventional Ear Wax Cleaning

 

Cotton swabs and ear candling are unhealthy practices for removing earwax, and cleaning or scratching your ear canals can be just as bad. Don't use cotton swabs to clean inside your ear canal. It can push the earwax in further and you could possibly even puncture your eardrum.

 

3. Tobacco Exposure

 

Smoking tobacco and second-hand smoke can contribute to hearing loss. Studies suggest that chronic nicotine exposure impairs the brain's ability to "hear" and interpret sound. Along with the other reasons to stop smoking, you can reduce your likelihood of greater hearing loss if you quit or stay out of smoky places.

 

4. Diabetes or Overeating

 

Diabetics are twice as likely to have hearing loss. Eating a healthy diet, maintaining proper weight and daily exercise can help you avoid type 2 diabetes.

 

5. Alcoholism

 

Too much alcohol can contribute to permanent hearing loss. Recently, researchers found that drinking 2 beers in a half an hour can cause temporary hearing loss for up to 16 hours.

 

6. Organic Solvents

 

Avoid organic solvents. Organic solvents (such as styrene and toluene) are commonly found in paints, lacquers and industrial printing inks. Studies have shown that these substances have a negative effect on your hearing.

 

7. Problematic Medications

 

There are at least 96 different drugs that may cause permanent or temporary hearing loss. When you stop taking aspirin and aspirin-containing drugs, your hearing may come back. Excessive use of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS), cisplatin (a cancer drug) and erectile dysfunction drugs can also cause hearing loss.

 

8. Insufficient Vitamins and Antioxidants

 

Antioxidants and vitamin supplements can help prevent hearing loss. Hearing loss due to aging may be prevented with a combination of antioxidants, mineral and vitamin supplements such as folic acid and magnesium. A healthy diet of fruits and vegetables and meats may protect hearing in later life.

 

9. Unhealthy Heart

 

Maintain a healthy cardiovascular system. There is a strong correlation between heart health and good hearing. Newly published reports show that a healthy cardiovascular system increases the likelihood of maintaining hearing, particularly among older adults.

 

10. See an audiologist. If you think you may have hearing loss, an audiologist will test, monitor and offer solutions to help you function better. An audiologist is a licensed health care provider who is trained to diagnose and manage your loss, as well as offer preventative measures. To find an audiologist in your area go to http://www.howtohear.com/ or call 1-877-NowIHear.