Hearing loss and the importance of treating it in time
Hearing loss (hearing loss) is a condition that can occur at any age, from childhood to the elderly, it can even be congenital, that is, you are born with it.
The sense of hearing is fundamental in the human being to learn to speak and therefore communicate with others, that is, it helps us to be social. It is important for every human being that hearing loss be treated if possible, in order to have normal social development.
At birth, it is of the utmost importance that all newborns undergo hearing screening, which consists of a simple, non-painful study, where a device is placed in each baby’s ear and this assesses their ability to listen, when a result is altered or not normal, it can be repeated a few days and if it comes out negative again, other studies are carried out to assess the type and degree of hearing loss of the newborn and thus, if possible, in a timely manner, provide him with the option of a treatment so that he can listen and thus develop language.
During childhood it is very important to pay attention to details such as poor school performance or the need to repeat phrases to a child because they may be indicating that the patient does not have adequate hearing, it is important to take him to an otorhinolaryngologist for an examination, physical examination of the ear and request the type of hearing study necessary according to the age required by the patient, which range from medical treatment, surgeries or the use of hearing aids
At present, it is increasingly common to see young adult patients with hearing loss, either due to occupational exposure to noise without hearing protection or due to the excessive use of hearing aids using volumes that are harmful to the ears.
The use of hearing protection is very important in patients with occupational exposure to loud noise or moderate but constant noise.
Occupational exposure to noise is a frequent cause of hearing loss in adult patients, such as those who work in factories, tortilla factories, drivers, etc. The use of hearing protection in these jobs is of utmost importance to avoid hearing loss that often happens after years of work.
The suggestion is an annual audiometry study to assess how the patient’s hearing is.
Age is another risk factor for hearing loss, occurring in one out of every 3 people and to a varying degree, making patients unable to communicate effectively with friends and families and putting them at risk of isolation and later depression. In the elderly, any hearing loss is treated in a timely manner.
In conclusion, hearing is what makes us learn to speak and be social, being able to have conversations with friends and family, normal hearing is of the utmost importance to be able to carry it out and the ear specialist is the otolaryngologist.
