If you are a young adult, you might assume that hearing loss isn’t something that can happen to you. While it’s true that the risk of hearing loss increases as we age, some younger adults do develop the condition as well.
Signs of Hearing Trouble
Most hearing loss is gradual and may be hard to notice at first. Trouble understanding what others are saying is a common early sign of hearing loss, especially in louder environments. Research has shown that 12% of adults ages 18-39 report difficulty following a conversation when there is background noise.
Other signs include:
- Difficulty following phone conversations
- Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
- Ringing or buzzing in the ear (tinnitus)
- Others have commented on your hearing
Causes of Hearing Loss in Young People
Multiple factors can increase a young person’s risk of hearing loss, including:
- Exposure to loud noise
- Otosclerosis, an abnormal bone growth in the middle ear
- Conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure that affect the blood vessels
- Genetic conditions
- Certain medications
- Infections
- Head injury
Protect Your Ears to Reduce Your Risk of Hearing Loss
Loud noise exposure is one of the bigger causes of hearing loss among younger adults. Repeated exposure to any noise over 85 decibels (dB) can damage your hearing. This is roughly the equivalent of the volume of city traffic. The louder the noise, the less time it takes for damage to occur.
If you work in a loud environment like construction or enjoy hobbies like hunting or going to concerts at Azteca Music Hall, make sure to wear earplugs or use other hearing protection to keep your ears safe.
Treat Hearing Loss Early
If you experience signs of hearing loss, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with an audiologist for a hearing test. The earlier you are diagnosed, the easier it will be to protect your hearing from further damage.
In most cases, audiologists will recommend hearing aids to treat your hearing loss. The right pair will help you focus on the sounds you want to hear and feel confident as you navigate the world around you.
If you would like more information on treating hearing loss or wish to schedule an appointment with one of our experts, contact Amarillo Hearing Clinic today.
