Are You One of the Nearly 100,000 People in Portland with Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss is a common condition that affects about 15% of the population across the U.S. Unfortunately, public awareness about this issue is low, and only about 1 in 5 people affected by this condition seeks treatment. If you’re ready to take control of your auditory health once and for all, start by arming yourself with the knowledge you need to manage your hearing effectively.
What Is Hearing Loss?
There are three types of hearing loss that Portland residents may experience: sensorineural, conductive and mixed. Sensorineural hearing loss affects the inner ear and is by far the most common type of hearing loss. Portland residents with sensorineural damage will typically be treated with hearing aids. Conductive hearing loss is related to problems of the outer or middle ear and is often temporary in nature. Treatments may be medical or surgical. Finally, mixed conditions involve both sensorineural and conductive causes.
Who Is at Risk for Hearing Loss in Portland?
Hearing loss is often associated with old age, but this is not the case in reality. In fact, only about one-third of patients suffering from hearing loss in Portland are over the age of 65. Today, as many as 1 in 5 teens are now suspected to have some level of hearing loss. Portland patients young and old should see an audiologist for regular hearing exams as part of their healthcare regimen. Talk to your ENT physician during your next appointment for more information.
How Can I Prevent Hearing Loss?
The number one cause of hearing loss in Portland residents is exposure to loud noise. The good news is that damage caused by noise-induced hearing impairments is entirely preventable. It’s very important to be aware of what can damage your ears. In general, any sound over 85 decibels (dB) should be considered potentially damaging to your ears. Anytime you may be exposed to loud sound, you should wear quality ear protection like earmuffs or earplugs. Custom earmolds are a safe bet when it comes to top-notch protection from hearing loss at Portland sporting events, rock concerts, construction sites, manufacturing businesses and beyond. Talk to an audiologist at PDX ENT to learn more about custom earmolds, which can be used to make perfectly fitted earplugs, hunter’s plugs, swimmer’s plugs and other custom earpieces.
There are also many other ways you can work to protect your hearing during your regular daily routine. These include taking care of your health to prevent damage from ototoxic medications, diseases and infections by checking side effects, getting vaccinated and seeing your doctor regularly as well as avoiding head or neck trauma by wearing protective gear and making safe decisions.
PDX ENT & Audiolgoy Medical Group is a leader in the healthcare industry of Portland. Hearing loss is a growing concerns amongst medical professionals, and the staff at PDX ENT is equipped to help you gain control over your hearing health. Discover more information about your auditory system by visiting PDX ENT online, and remember to schedule regular hearing assessments with an audiologist every few years.
