Gradual hearing loss is part of nature, but audiologists say that in recent years, more and more young people and children are experiencing early hearing loss.

The culprit? Noisy environment.

A study A study by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) found that 17% of young people aged 12 to 19 have some degree of noise-induced hearing loss, and many people do not realize that it is permanent of. Many experts say that people’s hearing loss is much younger than 30 years ago.

According to data from the American Institute for the Deaf and Mute and Other Communication Disorders, approximately 37.5 million Americans aged 18 and over are deaf or hearing impaired. Another 26 million cases are regularly exposed to dangerous noise levels.

Noisy environment

Listen to loud music When you think about dangerous noise exposure levels, going through headphones is probably the first thing that comes to mind. However, noise levels from video games, televisions, movie theaters and even traffic can also cause early hearing loss.

The sound intensity is measured in decibels. Audiologists say that prolonged exposure to sound levels above 80 decibels can damage the hair cells and nerves in your ears. Many urban areas such as Philadelphia are full of noise pollution, from sirens and other traffic sounds to jackhammers and leaf blowers.

Due to hearing loss caused by noise, a person can usually hear sound, but it is difficult to understand what they are talking about, especially in an environment with competitive background noise. tinnitus Or tinnitus is a common symptom of hearing loss caused by noise.

Audiologists say that the best ways to protect your hearing include:

1. Please pay attention to the volume setting when listening to music, watching movies or playing video games.
2. If you are going to a concert or any type of event that you know will be loud, please wear noise-canceling earplugs.
3. If you work in a noisy environment such as a bar, restaurant or construction site, please also wear earplugs or other protective equipment to protect your ears.
4. When visiting family and friends, don’t be afraid to ask people to turn down the volume.
5. Don’t use loud music to drown out other noises. You just replaced one noisy sound with another.
6. Taking a break in a noisy environment can also help protect your ears.

It is important to remember that although some hearing loss may be temporary in a noisy environment, prolonged exposure can cause permanent damage.

Other causes of early hearing loss

Early hearing loss may also be the result of damaged ear structures or severe infections. Some people are born with hearing loss.

Conductive hearing loss Refers to the functional problems of the outer or middle ear, including the ear canal and tympanic membrane. Structural damage can interfere with how sound waves travel through the ears. This hearing loss can usually be resolved with medication or surgery.

However, sensorineural hearing loss is permanent. This is caused by damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve.according to Mayo Clinic.

Hearing loss can also occur when the brain (especially the auditory cortex of the temporal lobe) fails to work properly.

The wax that accumulates in your ears can also affect your hearing. Do not use Q-tip to clean your ears, as it may push the wax further into the ear canal instead of removing it. Instead, use a rinse tool to clean your ears, which softens the wax so that it can be easily removed with a damp cloth.

Smoking, or even long-term exposure to second-hand smoke, can damage the hair cells of your ears and nerve endings and cause hearing loss.

Some people may only have partial hearing loss in one or both ears, while people who cannot hear any sound may lose hearing completely. Hearing loss can be sudden or it can happen gradually over time. Surgery, hearing aids or cochlear implants may be recommended as part of the treatment.

If you are worried about your hearing, please arrange a hearing test with your doctor as soon as possible.