If you've noticed increasing difficulty in making out what people are saying, or you often need to turn up the volume on the TV, it's worth being aware of some of the common causes of hearing loss and considering whether you may have been exposed to any of them.
Here are some of the most common causes of hearing loss -it's not an exhaustive list though, and if you believe you may be suffering from hearing loss symptoms, it's always worth consulting a professional.
Loud noises
Exposure to loud noises is probably the first cause of hearing loss that most people think of. It's certainly worth considering if you've had short-term exposure to a very loud noise, or long-term exposure to fairly high volumes, for example in the workplace.
You'll usually know if you've suffered immediate hearing damage due to a loud noise. You might experience ringing in your ears or pain in your ear drums. However, it can take time for the extent of the damage to become noticeable, so be aware of this.
Working in a noisy environment without hearing protection is one of the very common causes of hearing loss due to prolonged exposure so again, if this sounds like you, speak to a professional to find out what your options are.
Old age
Unfortunately, hearing degrades over time simply due to old age, and as you get older you'll usually find it harder to hear high-pitched sounds and may lose some hearing acuity across the full frequency range.
This is a natural process and can begin from an early age.It can often be corrected using modern digital hearing aids that are barely visible to passers-by, so don't be put off from seeking treatment to restore your quality of life.
Earwax build-up
Accumulated earwax can affect your hearing significantly, in a similar way to putting your fingers in your ears or wearing earplugs.
This is another good reason not to delay seeking treatment for hearing loss - you might just need the wax removing from your ears to recover full acuity without the need for hearing aids.
Tinnitus
Finally, pay close attention to your hearing. Is it just that things sound quieter, or can you hear whistling, crackling or buzzing noises with no apparent source?
In some people, these phantom sounds - common symptoms of tinnitus - can make it difficult to distinguish the noises that are really there, and again digital hearing aids can help to compensate so it's easier to tell what people are saying, listen to music and so on.
