If you or someone you love is experiencing hearing loss then you may be wondering the reasons why this came to be. Avoid making assumptions that it’s because of old age and look at a possible event that might have unfolded. For instance, it could be that an injury occurred and caused the hearing loss.
There are some cases when hearing loss doesn’t have to do with age and when it isn’t tied to having a disease. Instead, it may be that it’s connected and has been caused by a type of trauma. The following information covers five injuries that can cause hearing loss in greater detail.
Head Trauma
One injury that can cause hearing loss is head trauma. It’s never a good sign or great news when you get hit in the head. You’ll not only feel lousy after the fact but it’s possible there are more serious damages to deal with. Jostling of the walls of the skull and a concussion has the potential to cause hearing loss in a variety of ways.
If it’s a strong enough force, you may have damage to your brain that will impact your hearing and speech. You might also discover you have severe damage to your ears after being hit in the head. You should always visit an audiologist if you find that you have trouble with your balance or tinnitus following any head trauma.
Whiplash
If your head is whipped violently back and forth then you’ll experience whiplash and possibly hearing loss along with it. With violent shaking, you may have trauma to the skull or have symptoms that come along with a concussion. Depending on the amount of force and what occurred, you might notice issues with your balance or hearing after the fact. It’ll be worth your time to get a hearing evaluation if you suspect something is wrong.
Traumatic Noise
Another common injury that may occur and cause hearing loss is traumatic noise. In fact, it’s one of the most frequent causes of hearing loss around the world. Constant exposure to traumatic and extreme noise can certainly lead to and be the culprit for hearing loss. Any noise above 80 decibels (dBs) make it possible that you’ll have permanent damage to your hearing.
Consider if you’re around loud noises at work and be sure to turn down the volume of your music to an appropriate level when listening to it. Sirens and firecrackers are also sounds that can cause immediate injury and hurt your ears.
Frostbite due to Cold Weather
When it comes to hearing loss, frostbite can also be one of the five injuries that are to blame. You likely know already that exposure to extreme cold conditions can cause permanent skin damage. However, you may not realize that very cold weather can also lead to hearing impairment or temporary and permanent damage to your ears in some cases.
When you head outside in the wintertime and colder months, you should not only bundle up your arms, legs and fingertips but also be sure to cover up your head and ears.
Perforated Eardrums
Perforated eardrums are also a type of injury that can cause hearing loss. It’s one of the reasons why you may hear audiologists and other people saying that you should avoid using cotton swabs to wipe your ears clean. Cerumen impaction can occur when you stick anything in your ears but in some instances, you may experience temporary and permanent damage. Although a perforated eardrum can occur and heal shortly after, you should be aware that it can lead to ear infections and other complications.
Hearing loss isn’t always an outcome of getting older or having a particular disease. These are some of the top and most common injuries that can cause hearing loss. It’s important to be aware of them so that you can try to avoid these injuries from occurring. Also, be sure to take proper action to see an audiologist right away if you do encounter one of these five injuries.
If you’re ever wondering if you are experiencing hearing loss due to an injury, then it’s best to contact an audiologist right away. Here at The Hearing Center at York ENT, we are dedicated to providing high-quality and compassionate care for hearing loss. Our team is the leading expert in evaluating your hearing needs and can make recommendations for treatment options and help you get fitted for hearing aids.
You can learn more about The Hearing Center at York ENT by calling us today at (717) 850-9269.
