Hearing loss typically happens in people who are over 60, but our hearing deteriorates as we age. What many people do not know is that a person can have partial or complete hearing loss in their 20s and 30s. There are numerous reasons why this could happen, and we will explore these reasons as well as how to preserve your hearing in this article.
It Could Be Otosclerosis
Otosclerosis is a disease that affects one of the three bones found in the inner year. This disease runs in families, so you are at a higher risk if one of your close relatives has it. There are other possible causes including stress fractures, immune disorders, and prior measles infections.
Sound is funneled into the ear and then conveyed through the eardrum to three bones known as the stirrup, anvil, and hammer. The stirrup is the bone linking the middle and inner year. It has to vibrate for us to perceive sound, but otosclerosis stops it from doing so, leading to hearing loss.
The diagnosis and treatment of this disease require a hearing test and an ear exam, both of which are done by an audiologist. You can search for an audiologist near me so you can go in for a checkup. If your hearing has not been affected too much, you might be asked to come in regularly for checks.
People with otosclerosis have different treatment options. One of these is hearing aids. Your audiologist will tell you if you need them, and you can get them for one or both of your ears. The other option is a stapedectomy where the stirrup is replaced with an artificial one. These surgeries are done under general anesthesia and have a success rate of 90%.
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
The CDC says that noise is the most common cause of hearing loss in people in their 20s and 30s. Although preventable, this type of hearing loss affects close to 40 million adults in the USA including young adults who should otherwise not have hearing loss. This problem presents itself in a person being able to hear voices but not being able to tell what the other person just said. The issue gets worse in loud environments where there is more than one source of sound.
The problem with this type of hearing loss is that it is gradual, so the person might not know they have a problem until it is too late, and their hearing loss has progressed to a point where they need hearing aids. In some cases, the person knows they have some hearing loss when they have persistent ringing in the ears, also known as tinnitus.
Noise-induced hearing loss happens due to damage to the hair cells and nerve endings found in the inner ear. When both are damaged through repeated exposure to certain sound frequencies, the person ends up with hearing loss. The issue can get so serious that a young person has a problem following conversations in normal conditions.
Age-related Hearing Loss
Some young people have hearing loss that cannot be explained as anything other than age-related hearing loss. Several factors can lead to premature age-related hearing loss. These include noise, chronic illnesses like diabetes, and genetics.
As with hearing loss caused by other factors, age-related hearing loss is progressive which means it gets worse as the person ages. This type of hearing loss can be slowed down by avoiding noisy environments and using earplugs if you must. Fluid-filled earmuffs are also an option.
How Young People Can Protect Their Hearing
There are hearing loss causes you cannot do anything about like genetics, but there is a crucial one you can control: noise. Start by ensuring all the appliances you buy have a low noise rating. Some appliances hum when they have power and even when you are not using them. Because this humming is at a very high frequency, it can damage your ears without you realizing they are there.
Second, avoid noisy environments as much as you can. If someone has to shout for you to hear them, that environment is too loud. If you can, ask the manager or staff at restaurants, movie theaters, and other places to turn the volume down.
Another way is cleaning your ears to prevent the buildup of earwax. Although it was the recommended option years ago, doctors now recommend that you do not use cotton swabs to remove ear wax as you can end up pushing it further inside. Instead, use an irrigation kit to soften the wax and then remove it using a piece of cloth.
Lastly, go for regular hearing tests and ear checks. This is the best way to detect issues early so you can start taking action. This is recommended for those with a history of hearing loss in their families.
Hearing is a very important sense, and it is surprising how many people do not know how to take care of it. Hearing loss, especially in young people, can affect your life in numerous ways. It is best to preserve your hearing as much as possible.