Ear damage is something that affects a lot of people as they get older. Worse still, it can be the sort of thing that accelerates with time, getting worse and worse.
There are several reasons for ear damage. But which might be affecting you?
Noise-Induced Ear Damage
The most common is noise-induced ear damage. This occurs when the energy in sound waves is too intense for the ear tissue to remain intact for long.
Noises over 85 dB, about the level of power tools, are considered dangerous. Prolonged exposure of, say, more than 8 hours is believed to be damaging.
However, as the volume goes up, the length of time required for the noise to damage the ears goes down. For example, a noise at 100 dB might cause ear damage within a couple of minutes, while a noise at 120 dB could lead to damage after just a few seconds.
Aging
Another primary driver of ear damage and hearing loss is aging. As the body gets older, it doesn’t maintain the machinery in the ear as well, leading to the so-called “head in a barrel” phenomenon.
Aging, though, usually results in a slow decline in hearing, not something that happens overnight. It’s also something that people can modify through certain lifestyle changes, though perhaps not eliminate the risks entirely.
One of the main reasons for hearing loss, for example, is reduced blood flow. Exercise and healthy food can improve this over time.
Neural degeneration is another cause. As the parts of the brain that interpret the sound begin to decline, it can lead to lowered perception (even if the physical ear itself looks healthy).
Ototoxic Medications
Ototoxic medications could also be an issue. These are actually drugs that harm the ears, usually temporarily.
For example, some antibiotics are problematic. These damage the lining in the cochlear. Other times, chemo drugs are a problem since they can harm the tiny hair cells that line the inner ear.
Even toxins can play a role. For example, extreme exposure to lead and mercury can make hearing worse.
Make sure you check out what you need to know about this from your doctor. Ask them if you’re taking anything that could lead to worsened hearing and if there are any alternatives you might explore.
Infections
Infections can also play a role. For example, middle ear infections can cause temporary or permanent hearing issues, especially in children.
A range of viral infections are also problematic for the ears, and something you’ll want to watch out for. Measles and mumps are common causes of hearing loss and could be something you could catch if you haven’t had the vaccine.
Some viruses that affect the spinal column are also problematic because of the extreme inflammation they cause.
Physical Trauma
Finally, hearing damage can occur because of physical trauma. A serious injury to the head or ear can lead to hearing loss through mechanical stress alone. It is possible to experience some recovery, but these incidents may also be permanent.
