One of the complaints I get from of my patients is they can't hear
what I'm saying. So I speak up, and they still can't hear me clearly.
Then I know they are one of the twenty-eight million Americans suffering
from sudden or gradual hearing loss. This affliction affects adversely
their quality of life both at work and at leisure.
Sudden hearing loss occurs through an infection, a
trauma, changes in atmospheric pressure, or earwax buildup or impaction.
Some cases are reversible with care and treatment.
Gradual hearing loss, called presbycusis, is a
culmination of many factors such as environment, drugs, and disease. We
cannot reverse gradual hearing loss, but we can take steps to prevent or
stop further loss.
Causes of Hearing Loss
Heredity and chronic exposure to loud noise are two
contributors to gradual loss in adults. You cannot change your
ancestors, but you can change or control your environment. Other, less
common, causes are disease or illness from a virus or bacteria, heart
condition or stroke. Head injuries and tumors could also be a cause.
Side effects from medication, like chemotherapy drugs and some
antibiotics, may also bring about hearing loss. Temporary hearing loss
can happen if you take high doses of aspirin or nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antimalarial drugs or loop diuretics.
Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) is caused by
exposure to loud environmental noise at work or play. Nearly one-third
of Americans suffering from this loss have NIHL. It is, however,
preventable with the use of proper safety equipment. Tinnitus, a
constant ringing, buzzing, hissing, or roaring sound in your ears is one
symptom of NIHL.
Environmental noise can be either continuous or
impulse. Examples of continuous noise are a jet engine, a jackhammer,
loud music or sirens. Impulse noise is a sudden explosion of sound.
Musicians, transit workers -especially airport and railroad employees -
farmers, construction workers, and people in the armed forces are all
vulnerable to NIHL.
Treating and Living With Hearing Loss
Here are some steps I take to combat this loss and improve quality of life for my patients.
Earwax removal is my first action step. I loosen
the wax with mineral oil or glycerin then either suction or scoop out
the wax. This painless, quick treatment often results in a marked
improvement of hearing ability.
If I suspect my patient's loss comes from a
disease, I recommend seeing a specialist. An otolaryngologist can
diagnose and prescribe a course of treatment, preventing further damage
and in some instances reversing the loss.
When no disease is apparent, I suggest mechanical
aids. Hearing aids amplify sound and direct it into your ear canal.
There are many unobtrusive hearing aids on the market now. Some fit
inside your ear and are barely noticeable. Others rest behind your ear.
Try different types to find the one that works best for you. Most states
have laws requiring a trial period before you make the final decision
on which kind is best for you.
Cochlear implants are for more severe hearing loss.
These electronic devices compensate for damaged or nonworking parts of
your inner ear.
Preventing Further Hearing Loss
Protect your ears from loud noises. I cannot
emphasize enough the importance of wearing ear protection around
machinery. Turn down the volume of your music, and place your hands over
your ears when a fire truck or ambulance passes by.
Get regular hearing tests. Some loss is treatable
and further degradation halted by early detection. An audiologist will
measure your hearing ability and give you tools to deal with your loss.
Improve your diet. I have read that adding
manganese to your diet may help prevent hearing loss. Good food sources
of manganese are mustard greens, kale, chard, collard greens, romaine
lettuce, raspberries, pineapple, and maple syrup. Research by the
University of Florida suggests that taking vitamin supplements with the
antioxidants beta-carotene, vitamins C and E and the mineral magnesium
can protect against noise-induced and age-related loss.
The Bottom Line
Loss of hearing happens to too many of us, both
young and old. The good news is, because so many Americans, ten percent
of the total population, suffer from it there is a thriving industry in
place to combat hearing loss. Treatment is constantly improving and
hearing aids get smaller and better all the time. The best advice I can
give you is to protect your ears at all times, eat a healthy diet and
take a good supplement containing manganese, magnesium, beta-carotene,
vitamins C and E and you will be able to hear a pin drop for a long time
to come.
Mark Rosenberg, M.D.
Institute For Healthy Aging
http://www.vitalmaxvitamins.com
hear
