Every day, we experience sound in our environment, such as the sounds from television and radio, household appliances, and traffic. Normally, we hear these sounds at safe levels that do not affect our hearing. However, when we are exposed to harmful noise – sounds that are too loud or loud sounds that last a long time – sensitive structures in our inner ear can be damaged, causing noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). These sensitive structures, called hair cells, are small sensory cells that convert sound energy into electrical signals that travel to the brain. Once damaged, our hair cells cannot grow back.

Next time, when you go to a concert, or turn on your headsets on high volume, give it a second thought and lower it. Hearing loss usually is not reversible, once it occurs you will be stuck with it unless medical treatment is sought.

Source: NIDCD Information Clearinghouse

Hearing loss can also result from taking certain medications. “Ototoxic” medicines damage the inner ear, sometimes permanently. Some antibiotics are ototoxic. Even aspirin at some dosages can cause problems, but they are temporary. Check with your doctor if you notice a problem while taking a medication.

Heredity also is a cause of hearing loss, but not all inherited forms of hearing loss take place at birth. Some forms can show up later in life. In otosclerosis, which is thought to be a hereditary disease, an abnormal growth of bone prevents structures within the ear from working properly. A severe blow to the head also can cause hearing loss.

Source: National Institute on Aging

Approximately 17 percent, or 36 million, of American adults say that they have some hearing loss. Hearing loss is one of the most common conditions affecting older adults. Roughly one-third of Americans 65 to 74 years of age and 47 percent of those 75 and older have hearing loss. The Census tells us that 36 million Americans are over 65. You do the math. If 36 million people have hearing loss and 36 million people are over 65 that is a lot of people who are under 65 have a hearing loss issue.

So if you’re among the hearing loss population and you are under 65, it’s not just you that is unfortunate. Many others your age share your hearing loss problem. But don’t despair, there are many ways to help you hear better. As the technology improves, you’ll experience better and more comfortable hearing through hearing aids. Schedule an appointment with your doctor today to see if your situation can benefit from hearing aids or surgery.

Medicaid will pay for the diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss for eligible children and young adults ages 21 and under. Also, children may be covered by their state’s early intervention program or State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).

For older adults, medicare does not cover hearing aids; however, diagnostic evaluations are covered if they are ordered by a physician for the purpose of assisting the physician in developing a treatment plan. Since Medicare has declared the BAHA a prosthetic device and not a hearing aid, Medicare will cover the BAHA if other coverage policies are met.

Source: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders

There’s one more cause that is medication. “Ototoxic” medicines damage the inner ear, sometimes permanently. Some antibiotics are ototoxic. Even aspirin at some dosages can cause problems, but they are temporary. Check with your doctor if you notice a problem while taking a medication. But age related hearing loss usually happens slowly. If you’re over 65, have your hearing checked regularly.

Source: National Institute on Aging

• 1 in 3 Americans between ages 65 and 74 has a hearing problem.
• 1 in 2 Americans over age 75 has a hearing problem.

So it’s normal to experience some hearing loss as you age, you aren’t alone. If you want to find out for sure, start by asking your doctor for a hearing test. Your doctor may refer you to a hearing specialist, an audiologist. Sometimes, your family doctor probably can perform the basic testing and then refer you to an audiologist.

If you find yourself hard at hearing, seek professional help. Advanced hearing loss can interfere with your normal daily life. Why lower the quality of your senior years if you really don’t need to?

Source: National Health Information Center

Like prescription classes, you can’t just purchase a hearing aid from the store. You and your audiologist should select a hearing aid that best suits your needs and lifestyle. Hearing aids’ price vary a lot. They can go anywhere from hundreds to several thousand dollars. Inexpensive hearing aids aren’t necessarily bad. The most expensive ones may not even fit your needs.

Keep in mind, that hearing aids are not hearing surgeries, they do not restore your hearing. They help you hear better. So just like glasses, you need time and patience to get used to them to make them work better for you. Check the warranty when you purchase them to get the most out of your hearing aids.

Source: National Institutes of Health

The noise levels are labeled by decibels.

• 110 Decibels

  Regular exposure of more than 1 minute risks permanent hearing loss.

• 100 Decibels

  No more than 15 minutes of unprotected exposure recommended.

• 85 Decibels

  Prolonged exposure to any noise at or above 85 decibels can cause gradual hearing loss.

We’ll talk about the sound source that represent the above decibels in the next post.

Source: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders

The other important thing is to know how long the warranty is. Whether the warranty can be extended. Also make sure the  warranty covers future maintenance and repairs. You need to find out about the repairs and minor repairs. Often your audiologist can make adjustments and provide servicing and minor repairs.

Source: National Institutes of Health