Let’s talk about hearing loss (more common than you think!)

Remember that old cellphone advertisement with the infamous, “Can you hear me now” phrase? Turns out, we’re probably saying that a lot more (and a lot less unironically) now. 

Here’s a scary statistic: estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO) approximate that by 2050, over 700 million people (that’s one in every 10) will have disabling hearing loss. 

What’s causing hearing loss?

Loud music, constant use of personal audio devices and noise pollution are some of the culprits that contribute to hearing loss. As more people work from home now and are required to regularly use earphones for virtual meetings, we are more exposed to consistent noise and sound.

Ageing is also a common hearing loss factor. Just as eyesight can deteriorate as we get older, so can our hearing. It’s important to know that you can’t reverse or undo hearing loss, so it’s better to take steps now to preserve our hearing. Certain medications and illnesses (such as diabetes, hypertension, heart problems) can also cause hearing loss.

Therefore it’s crucial to see your doctor if you suddenly experience any ear-related problems, like excessive wax or a punctured eardrum. Left untreated, it can escalate to an infection and long-term hearing loss. Ear, nose and throat problems are often linked so don’t disregard pain, swelling and fluid build-up.

Don’t ignore these warning signs:

• Buzzing/ringing in the ears could signal tinnitus in one or both ears. You hear this ringing or buzzing when there aren’t any other external sources, meaning it’s not caused by outside noise. 
• Do you struggle to hear the TV and constantly turn up the volume to catch the dialogue? When you’re doing this more often than not, it’s a sign of potential hearing issues. 
• In the same vein, common household noises should be adequately perceptible. In other words, you should be reasonably able to hear a phone ringing, a gate opening, a window slamming shut.
• Frequently misunderstanding what people say, losing strands of a conversation or constantly asking others to repeat themselves are common signs of weakening hearing. It’s one thing when you’re in a generally noisy place, but if this happens even in a quiet environment, that’s cause for concern. .
• It may sound unrelated but experiencing balancing problems could indicate ear/hearing trouble. This is because your sense of balance is linked to the central nervous and sensory systems, which includes the inner ear. Good to know.

Good to know

Losing your hearing can significantly affect your daily way of life as you miss out on important information and struggle to follow conversations – which can even impact your work and career. If you notice the warning signs of hearing loss, go to your doctor. There are treatments for hearing loss.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, and usage of any medication.