Hearing loss is extremely common, with over 50 million people having a measure of hearing loss in the US alone. So if you think your hearing is getting worse, you might be right. You might not even be the first to notice your hearing loss. Often, other people who have to speak more loudly or repeat themselves notice before you.
So, if you suspect that your hearing loss is getting worse, here’s what can you do about it.
There are a lot of different types of hearing loss, caused by different things.
Some hearing loss is temporary. You can lose your hearing if you have a buildup of wax in your ears, or if you have an ear infection or an injury. If this is treated quickly, your hearing can be restored completely.
But often, hearing loss is permanent. The mechanism in your ear that controls hearing is very fragile and, once it’s damaged, it can’t repair itself. This is usually more gradual, so it’s harder to notice. Permanent hearing loss can be due to lifestyle choices, natural wear and tear from aging, or it could be hereditary.
In any case, it’s a good idea to act quickly if you notice your hearing is getting worse.
The first thing you should do is see your GP. They can do a physical exam and, if you do have a buildup of wax or an infection, they can treat it. Ear infections should be treated very quickly because, if left alone, they can cause permanent damage.
Your GP may then refer you to an audiologist. You can also book yourself for a hearing test with an audiologist and cut out the middleman, but it can be good to rule out other potential causes of hearing loss.
The hearing test will determine the extent of your hearing loss, and your hearing specialist can give you advice to help you manage your hearing. They may recommend hearing aids or other treatments.
If your hearing loss is because of lifestyle choices or your career, you can prevent it from getting worse. Ear protection in loud areas like building sites or music venues is very important for preventing excessive wear and tear.
You can also exercise for better hearing health and slow down age-related hearing loss. Cardiovascular exercise is good for your heart and lungs, so it’s a good idea to engage in it anyway, but it can also improve the blood flow to your ears and keep them healthy.
If you do end up with profound hearing loss, there are things you can do. Most people can wear hearing aids or get a cochlear implant, which allows them to hear and communicate with others. Another option is learning ASL, which is a language commonly used in the Deaf community.
Sign language is useful whether you can wear hearing aids or not, as it means you can communicate without relying solely on technology.
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