subject: Understanding Hearing Loss: Common Causes And Easy Solutions [print this page] As far as senses go, the ability to hear is a crucial ingredient in most people's day-to-day lives. The idea that suddenly it could be more difficult to figure out what friends are saying or a sudden loss of the ability to enjoy favorite songs are the thoughts that come to mind most frequently when people consider what it would be like to suddenly not be able to hear, but there are actually more dangerous side effects. For those who are hard of hearing, missing important sounds like smoke detectors going off or car horns blaring can be more than just an aesthetic effect: they can also be dangerous for one's safety.
The easiest way to prevent trouble with hearing is to treat ears with the same respect as other crucial body parts. After all, people often quit smoking, even though it is very difficult, after learning of the damages it causes for various body parts. And while it's not necessary to stop listening to music or cease going to clubs altogether, those who are concerned about preserving their hearing should consider changing the dangerous behaviors that can lead to long-term damage. After all, you don't have to go entirely deaf to be inconvenienced by a diminishing in quality when it comes to hearing.
One incredibly simple step towards preserving one's hearing is simply making an effort to take breaks from loud noises. This could mean not spending too much time wearing headphones to listen to music, being sure to always keep the car stereo turned down to a reasonable level, and not cranking the television up to drown out the neighbor's. It's also important to not stand up close to speakers in clubs or at concerts, and to bring earplugs for those nights when there is going to be a particularly loud set happening.
Anyone who lives in a city should also be aware of the damage that long-term exposure to an endless din can do to one's ears. If living in a city, try to invest in sound-proof windows or at least double-paned glass, as it cuts down on the sounds of traffic and provides a quieter environment to enjoy favorite records and television shows. Likewise, if a particular job situation involves exposure to loud noises, be sure that part of the daily uniform is also approved noise-reducing devices, whether in the form of headphones or earplugs. Take care of hearing just as you would eyesight with proper protection, and chances are that you'll be far more content in your time off the clock.
One of the best solutions to ensuring that your ability to hear does not slip away is checking up on it every so often. Remembering to schedule a hearing test is one of the best ideas in terms of keeping one's ears healthy and secure. Far less invasive than other medical tests that are routine, the right hearing test will allow you to figure out where any damage or loss of ability might be stemming from, and what to do to prevent it from taking hold more.
