The human body is an awesome, beautiful, confusing, confounding construction, isn’t it? The human body usually has no difficulty mending cuts, scrapes, or broken bones (with a bit of time, your body can heal the huge bones in your arms and legs).
But when it comes to repairing the tiny little hairs in your ear, you’re out of luck. For now anyway.
It’s really regrettable that your body can accomplish such fantastic feats of healing but can’t regenerate these little hairs. So what’s the deal?
When is Hearing Loss Permanent?
So, let’s get right 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… maybe.
Dramatically speaking, it’s a little anticlimactic.
But he’s not wrong. There are two primary types of hearing loss:
- Damage induced hearing loss: But there’s another, more common form of hearing loss. This kind of hearing loss, called sensorineural hearing loss, is irreversible. Here’s what happens: there are delicate hairs in your ear that vibrate when struck by moving air (sound waves). When vibrations are transformed into signals, they are sent to the brain which makes them into the sounds you perceive. But over time, loud noises can cause these hairs to be damaged to the point where treatment is required.
- Hearing loss caused by a blockage: When there’s something obstructing your ear canal, you can present all the signs of hearing loss. A wide variety of things, from something gross (earwax) to something frightening (a tumor), can be the cause of this blockage. The good news is that once the obstruction is removed, your hearing usually returns to normal.
So the bottom line is this: there’s one form of hearing loss you can recuperate from, and you may need to get examined to see which one you’re dealing with.
Treating Hearing Loss
So currently there’s no “cure” for sensorineural hearing loss (although scientists are working on it). But your hearing loss still may be treatable. In fact, getting the proper treatment for your hearing loss might help you:
- Ensure your total quality of life is unaffected or remains high.
- Help stave off cognitive decline.
- Avoid isolation by staying socially active.
- Protect and maintain your remaining hearing.
- Successfully manage hearing loss symptoms you might already have.
Of the many types of treatment available, which one is right for you depends on the severity of your hearing loss. One of the most prevalent treatments is pretty simple: hearing aids.
Why Are Hearing Aids a Smart Treatment For Hearing Impairment?
You can get back to the people and things you love with the assistance of hearing aids. They can help you hear the discussions, your phone, your tv, or even just the birds in the park. You will no longer be struggling to hear so pressure will be removed from your brain.
Prevention is The Best Protection
Loud sounds and other things that would harm your hearing should be avoided and your ears should be protected against them. Your overall health and well being depend on strong hearing. Having routine hearing exams is the best way to be certain that you are safeguarding your hearing.