Five surprising things that cause hearing loss

(ARA) - It's no secret that a lifetime of rock concerts and screaming babies can eventually add up to hearing loss as an adult. Though some of the more obvious hearing threats can be easily avoided, other less common factors affect ear health gradually over time. The five causes of hearing loss may be surprising to some, but can be easily managed through careful attention to auditory health. By following a few simple guidelines, many people are able to greatly reduce their likelihood of facing hearing problems later in life.

Earwax buildup - Over the course of time, an excessive buildup of wax within the ear canal can prevent the passage of sound waves. This translates to a gradual loss of hearing, which can easily be treated by an ear, nose and throat doctor or even prevented with regular cleanings. A proper cleaning can be done by applying hydrogen peroxide to the eardrum, allowing it to sit for 30 to 45 seconds, then rinsing thoroughly.

Headphones - Though it's common knowledge that loud music causes hearing loss, most people don't realize the extent that modern-day headphones amplify sound. This is particularly important to note for "earbud" headphones, which are nestled in the ear cavity and directly stimulate the eardrum. The sound emitted from headphones can reach up to 120 decibels, which is comparable to the noise level at a loud football game. Low-decibel headphones are now widely available, and many music systems come equipped with a "safe noise level" function to help regulate volume.

Yard work - As technology increases the efficiency of gardening equipment, so, too, increases the level of its noise output. Standard equipment, including lawnmowers, power edgers and chain saws create a phenomenal amount of sound, which can begin to permanently damage hearing in less than 15 minutes. Users of this equipment should always guard their ears with earplugs or noise blocking headphones when working outdoors.

SCUBA diving - Known by divers as "ear squeeze," the pressure buildup that happens during a dive can permanently affect hearing by creating a hemorrhage of one of the delicate tissues in the inner ear or a perforation of the ear drum membrane. Some of the factors that may worsen this condition for divers include smoking, allergies or overaggressive ear cleaning.

Popping the ears - When pressure builds, on an airplane or a quickly moving elevator, one natural inclination people have is to "pop" their ears by sneezing forcefully or holding their nose and blowing out hard through their mouth. The risk of using these methods to equalize pressure is a torn eardrum, which permanently impacts hearing. Allowing the pressure to diffuse on its own, though somewhat uncomfortable, can save a lifetime of hearing issues.

Even with careful application of all auditory health suggestions, most people will face some degree of hearing loss as they age. Age-related hearing loss is usually unpreventable, but there are many treatment options for those dealing with this frustrating condition. Miracle-Ear is on the cutting edge of auditory technology and offers a wide range of digital hearing aids and nearly invisible hearing aid options. Losing hearing function doesn't necessarily mean a lower quality of life, and a visit to an ear, nose and throat doctor is recommended as soon as changes in hearing are noticed.

Following a few simple steps can help stave off and sometimes even prevent hearing loss altogether, which should come as welcome news to anyone facing a hearing problem.

Courtesy of ARAcontent