There are nearly 48 million people in Katy, Texas and throughout the country with hearing loss. Hearing loss is actually the third most common physical condition in the U.S, following only arthritis and heart disease.
With these numbers it should come as no surprise that hearing loss can affect anyone, from your grandparents to the rich and famous. Just last week, Eric Clapton revealed that he is going deaf, suffering from both hearing loss and tinnitus.
What Are the Symptoms of Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss is a progressive condition that worsens over time. Symptoms appear gradually, so many are unaware anything is wrong for some time. Once symptoms do appear, it takes the average person seven years before they seek help.
It is important not to wait this long, as the earlier you treat your hearing loss the better your outcome. The most common symptoms to be on the lookout for are:
- Frequently asking people to repeat what they have said.
- Feeling like others mumble when they speak.
- Having difficulty following conversations in which background noise is present.
- Turning up the volume on the television or radio.
- Avoiding social gatherings in noisy places.
More often than not, it will be a family member or friend who mentions the possibility of having hearing loss to you, rather than noticing it yourself. Your Katy audiologist cannot stress enough how important it is to listen to them.
What Causes Hearing Loss?
While we cannot know for sure what caused Eric Clapton’s hearing loss and tinnitus, we feel confident that being exposed to loud music for more than 50 years played a role.
Exposure to loud noises over an extended period of time can lead to noise-induced hearing loss. This type of hearing loss is the second most common form, behind only presbycusis, or hearing loss related to normal ageing; it is also the most preventable type.
Noise-induced hearing loss can be prevented by the use of earplugs. Custom-made plugs, created from an impression of your ear, provide the highest level of protection. They can be customized to fit a variety of activities, including swimming, hunting and playing or listening to music.
Call Today’s Hearing at (281) 578-7500 to learn more about how to protect yourself from developing hearing loss.