In Middlesex County, an estimated 9.8% of the population report varying levels of hearing loss. This is slightly better than neighboring counties around Massachusetts, all at 11%. It’s important to understand hearing loss and ways to protect your hearing, because once lost, it’s difficult to recover.
Identifying the Varieties of Hearing Loss
Understanding the different forms of hearing loss is essential, both for ear protection and for knowing when to seek advice from a hearing specialist. There are three primary types of hearing loss:
- Conductive Hearing Loss: Usually reversible, this type of hearing loss happens when sound waves are impeded in their passage through the outer or middle ear. It can be caused by factors such as earwax buildup, infections or structural variances in the ear anatomy.
- Sensorineural Hearing Loss: This often-permanent form of hearing loss is due to damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve. The damage could be due to aging, consistent exposure to loud noise, specific medications or other health conditions. Hearing aids or cochlear implants may be prescribed to manage this type of hearing loss.
- Mixed Hearing Loss: A combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, mixed hearing loss requires the expertise of an audiologist for proper management and treatment.
Hearing Protection Strategies
A hearing specialist can help diagnose the type of hearing loss and guide you through treatment options. To maintain healthy hearing, consider the following preventative measures to mitigate noise exposure and address potential hearing issues:
- Employ ear protection like earplugs in loud environments such as concerts or sporting events.
- Keep the volume at safe levels when using personal audio devices, especially with headphones or in-ear buds.
- Allow your ears periodic rest by spending time in quieter areas, like calm parks in the city, to give your ears a break from constant noise.
If you’re experiencing signs of hearing loss, such as difficulty following conversations in noisy settings like Pressed Cafe, a persistent ringing in the ears, or the need to turn up the volume higher than usual, schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist.
Proactive prevention or early treatment of hearing loss is crucial for yourself, despite how your county or state may compare to national averages. For comprehensive information on maintaining healthy hearing for yourself or your loved ones, book a consultation with Massachusetts Hearing Group.