Hearing loss has become all too common in the United States today with nearly one quarter of the population over the age of 65 suffering from some form. Hearing loss can be prevented at a young age by avoiding excessively loud sounds found at construction sites, airports, freeways ballgames, in the music industry and in the theater industry. But hearing loss becomes a natural facet of aging as people get older. It develops over time as the person ages.

Hearing loss can be hereditary as well as developing with old age or as a result of an injury to the head, and most hereditary hearing problems cannot be avoided. There are options available for people to detect possible hearing loss either on their own or by a doctor.

Check Your Surroundings

If a loved one is experiencing hearing problems, the main cause could be as simple as excessive buildup of ear wax, which can be cleaned out without a problem. To test for hearing problems one should examine their surroundings. Turing the television up louder and louder could be a definite sign of hearing loss. The inability to hear the phone or the doorbell ring is another sign of hearing loss. Attempt to listen to a family speak from across the room or another room and if having trouble deciphering the speech, consult a doctor.

Other Screening Options

There are screening options available for people with possible hearing loss problems to have performed by their doctor or an audiologist.

-Case history: examining the patient for any hearing loss problems in the past, unilateral hearing loss, sudden or rapid progression of hearing loss, unilateral tinnitus, acute or chronic dizziness, recent drainage from the ears and pain or discomfort in the ears.
-Visual inspection of the ear.
-Pure-tone screening.
-Screening by self-assessed judgment of hearing difficulty.
-Audiometer testing: this entails wearing a headset and listening for sounds. The patient raises the appropriate hand for the appropriate ear where the sound is being heard.

Avoiding Hearing Problems

It is almost impossible to avoid hearing loss at an elderly age because hearing loss occurs naturally with old age. But hearing loss at a younger age can be avoided or limited. Hearing loss can occur as a result of trauma to the head or an injury to the ears and this cannot be avoided if an injury occurs. Other causes of hearing loss can be limited though. Avoid listening to music with headphones at an extremely high level; avoid loud places such as concerts, movies, construction sites, airports and freeways. Paying close attention to one’s surroundings can help with keeping hearing in tact for as long as possible in a natural setting. Once aging sets in, a person will have trouble stopping hearing loss because it is such a natural process of life.