Most people assume that hearing loss is one of the insignificant
parts of aging. For that reason, many of us take it lightly on taking care of hearing.
However nowadays we can see that even some of the younger adults (even the millennials)
are starting to have reduced hearing, by virtue of their lifestyle. This scenario can become disastrous if the trend
of hearing loss keeps on rising as it can greatly impact our daily live routine
such as working, socialising and many more. Thus, this article will discuss the
risk factors that are making individuals more susceptible to having hearing
loss.
Ototoxic are medications
that can cause hearing loss, ringing in the ear or balance disorders. There are
more than 200 ototoxic medications, which include antibiotics, chemotherapy
drugs, aspirin and many more. The problems caused by these drugs can sometimes
be reversed when the drug therapy is discontinued but, in most cases, the
damage is permanent. It is important to discuss with your doctor the potential
for hearing or balance disturbance of any drug you are taking. For cases in
which the drugs cannot be stopped or changed, patients are advised to meet
audiologist to take steps to manage the effects of the hearing loss.
B.
Association with Other Illnesses and Syndromes
In addition, hearing loss has high association with
several illnesses and diseases. They can be both congenital (during pregnancy or
childbirth) and acquired, which lead to hearing loss at any age. As an
instance, autosomal dominant syndromes that cause hearing loss are Waardenburg
syndrome and Treacher Collins syndrome. Moreover, those who have history of
chronic ear diseases such as otosclerosis or ear infections are likely to
suffer from permanent hearing loss. Recent studies also observed that
individual with diabetes type 2 and cardiovascular disease are also at a higher
risk to develop hearing loss.
C.
Exposure to Damaging Loud Sounds
The risk of hearing loss from
loud sounds is dependent on the exposure duration, sound intensity and genetic
vulnerability of individual. Listening to loud sounds for a long time like
listening to very loud music, industrial noises, or even a single exposure to
an extreme loud sound like an explosion can overwork the hair cells in the
inner ears. Repeated exposure can cause these cells to die and also damage the
auditory nerve. Early damage may not be noticeable but it can reduce the
ability to understand speech in noisy environment. Eventually, if the hearing
loss continues, it can cause difficulties to understand speech even in quiet
places. Thus, avoid listening to loud sounds and for individual who are usually
exposed to noise, please wear appropriate hearing protection devices.
D. The New Norm: Smoking and Vaping
Several
studies have shown that smoking and
vaping increase the risk of hearing loss. According to Browning et. al.
(1986), the nicotine found in cigarette and vape increases the blood viscosity
which leads to reduced blood flow to the inner ears, the organs that are
responsible to change sound waves to electrical signals and transmit them to the
brain. Comparison between industrial workers who work in noisy environment also
shows a statistically significant hearing loss in workers who are smokers
compared to the non-smokers. This result suggests that smokers are at increased
risk of noise-induced hearing loss (Barone et. al 1987).
In conclusion, there are
many factors that can increase the risk of hearing loss that we must be aware
of. Hearing is one of the essential parts of our live and without it we may face
many difficulties especially to communicate with others. To those who are
already noticing that they have a reduction in hearing (or speech
understanding), please meet an audiologist or hearing care professional for a hearing
test, and further management if needed.
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REFERENCES
1.
Barone, J. A.,
Peters, J. M., Garabrant, D. H., Bernstein, L., & Krebsbach, R. (1987).
Smoking as a risk factor in noise-induced hearing loss. Journal of
occupational medicine.: official publication of the Industrial Medical
Association, 29(9), 741-745.
2. Browning GG, Gatehouse S,
Lowe GD. Blood viscosity as a factor in sensorineural hearing impairment. Lancet. 1986;1:121–123
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