Call today to schedule an appointment to have your hearing screened.
704-384-7434
Many things can cause hearing loss: age, family history, illness, certain drugs or overexposure to loud noises.
Age
About one-third of Americans between the ages of 65 -74 have hearing problems. Half of those 85 and older have hearing loss. As people age, they may experience difficulty hearing or have ringing in their ears. These symptoms indicate the need to be screened for hearing loss.
Family History
If you have family members with hearing loss (particularly early loss), you may be at a higher risk of losing your hearing.
Birth Complications
Children with any of the risk factors listed below should have their hearing checked regularly
- Premature birth
- Low birth weight
- Birth complications
- Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension in children (PPH)
- Jaundice (hyperfilirubinemia)
- A low Apgar score at birth
Overexposure to Loud Noises
Hearing loud sounds for long periods repeatedly can cause permanent damage. Protective headphones should be worn to prevent hearing loss in jobs such as construction or factory work. Loud music or hobbies such as motorcycling can also damage your hearing. Be smart. Protect your hearing.
Medication
Some antibiotics, chemotherapy, high doses of aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), antimalarial drugs and loop diuretics can cause hearing loss, particularly in children. Ask your doctor if you or your child are taking any of these medications and experience hearing loss symptoms.
Illness
Certain illnesses that cause high fever, such as meningitis, can damage your inner ear and cause hearing loss. Diabetes, thyroid problems and heart disease are some of the other diseases that can injure your hearing.
Other factors contributing to hearing loss include:
- Head trauma
- Multiple ear infections
- Foreign body in ear canal
- Perforated eardrum
- Growth in the ear canal or middle ear
Can we help? Call 704-384-7434 today for an appointment with one of our licensed audiologists.