Hearing Center - Several Reasons For Loss

It is not always easy to pinpoint the reason people need a hearing center appointment. Loss can be caused by several different factors. Regardless of the cause, it is important that at the first sign of a problem, you go to see a professional to determine what can be done to remedy this situation. Most of the time one or more aids will be the solution. Other times more medical attention or even surgery may be required.

Exposure To Loud Noises

Around half of the cases of loss are caused by noise. This means that around 5% of people in the world are affected. For some, living by areas that experience a lot of noise frequently, like an airport or a freeway, could run into problems. If a person works in a field that puts him or her around consistently loud noises, loss can be expected. There are a variety of ways to limit the amount of noise a person hears and there are industry regulations that prevent workers from being in this type of environment without some type of barrier, including ear plugs.

While a hearing center may not be able to say for sure that the loss is due to exposure to noise, it is possible to determine the amount of loss and come up with a solution. Aids amplify noises to ensure that a person hears just about everything going on around him or her. If one works in a loud industry, one may be able to adjust the aids accordingly.

Neurological Disorders

Some medical conditions can affect a person's ability to hear. A person suffering with the effects of a stroke may need to come into a hearing center for testing. Also, individuals with multiple sclerosis may also notice a difference in their ability to hear. The nerves in the ear become damaged and there is no way to repair them. This loss could become progressively worse.

Medications Or Chemicals

Some medicines are rarely prescribed because of their affect on a person's ability to hear. Some are administered as part of chemotherapy while others are antibiotics. Even extended use of some pain relievers, including hydrocodone can cause impairment. In these situations, a hearing center can proceed with testing, determine the severity, and look for an appropriate solution.

Aging

Aging is usually the stereotypical reason that people assume loss occurs. Hearing centers do see a large number of older individuals, usually due to presbycusis. It begins in early adulthood and gets progressively worse as a person ages. While it may not be noticeable at first, it can be so severe that an individual begins to struggle with maintaining conversations and understanding what a person is saying. This is a completely different kind of loss from the others mentioned.