The human body has some fantastic and surprising abilities. The human body typically has no issue mending cuts, scrapes, or broken bones (with a bit of time, your body can restore the giant bones in your arms and legs).
But you won’t be so lucky if the tiny hairs in your ears are compromised. At least, so far.
It’s truly regrettable that your body can accomplish such amazing feats of healing but can’t regenerate these little hairs. So what’s the deal?
When is Hearing Impairment Permanent?
So, let’s get right down to it. You’re sitting in your doctor’s office and you’re taking in the news: you’re losing your hearing. So the first question you ask is whether the hearing will ever return. And the answer is… it depends.
It’s a bit anticlimactic, speaking dramatically.
But it’s also a fact. Hearing loss comes in two general forms:
- Hearing impairment caused by a blockage: When there’s something obstructing your ear canal, you can exhibit all the indications of hearing loss. This blockage can be caused by a number of things, from the gross (ear wax) to the downright scary (tumors). Your hearing will return to normal, thankfully, when the blockage is removed.
- Hearing loss caused by damage: But hearing loss has another more prevalent form. Known medically as sensorineural hearing loss, this type of hearing loss is effectively irreversible. Here’s what happens: there are fragile hairs in your ear that vibrate when struck by moving air (sound waves). Your brain is good at turning these vibrations into the sounds you hear. But loud sounds can cause harm to the hairs and, over time, reduce your hearing to the point where you require treatment.
So here’s the main point: you can recover from one type of hearing loss and you probably won’t know which one you have without getting a hearing exam.
Treating Hearing Loss
So at this time there’s no “cure” for sensorineural hearing loss (although scientists are working on it). But your hearing loss still might be treatable. As a matter of fact, getting the correct treatment for your hearing loss may help you:
- Help stave off cognitive decline.
- Make sure your overall quality of life is unaffected or remains high.
- Successfully manage hearing loss symptoms you might already have.
- Stay engaged socially, keeping isolation at bay.
- Maintain and protect the hearing you still have.
Of the many types of treatment available, which one is correct for you depends on the severity of your hearing loss. Hearing aids are one of the simplest and most prevalent treatment choices.
Why is Hearing Loss Successfully Managed With Hearing AIds?
Hearing aids can help you return to the people and things you love. They can help you hear the discussions, the phone, your tv, or even just the sounds of nature. You will no longer be straining to hear so pressure will be taken off your brain.
Prevention is The Best Protection
Loud sounds and other things that would damage your hearing should be avoided and your ears should be safeguarded against them. Your overall health and well being depend on strong hearing. Having regular hearing exams is the best way to be certain that you are safeguarding your hearing.