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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n- Wear hearing protection when exposed to loud noise. Earplugs should\nalways be worn in noisy environments such as rock concerts and sporting events.\nThey should also be worn when riding a motorcycle or snowmobile, mowing the\nlawn, using power tools, etc. If your job exposes you to loud noise, your\nemployer is required by OSHA to supply hearing protection.<\/li>
- Earplugs must be fully inserted into the ear canal to work to\nachieve the noise reduction rating marked on the packaging.<\/li>
- Turn down the volume on amplified sounds. When listening to\nmusic or watching television, keep the volume low.<\/li>
- Limit the number of noisy appliances running at the same time.<\/li>
- Buy quieter products. Many appliances list dB ratings in their\nspecifications.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Dealing\nwith Sudden Hearing Loss<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If\nyou experience a sudden drop in your hearing, you have a much better chance of\nrecovering some or all of that hearing if you seek immediate medical attention.\nA doctor can prescribe a corticosteroid such as prednisone which can help the\near recover from a sudden hearing loss. Our office prioritizes sudden hearing\nloss because treatment is time-sensitive, and we will make every effort to see\nyou as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment. Typically you will see the\naudiologist first for a hearing test, and then see the ENT doctor who may\nprescribe medication for you depending on the severity of the loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Preventing Hearing Loss from Diseases<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Some diseases can cause hearing loss. Viruses that might damage\nhearing include measles, mumps, whooping cough and rubella. Bacterial diseases\nsuch as meningitis and syphilis can also lead to hearing damage. Acoustic\nneuroma \u2013 tumors on the hearing nerve (usually benign) \u2013 may contribute to\nhearing loss. Tips for preventing hearing loss from disease include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Make sure your child is vaccinated. Immunizations offer\nprotection from many childhood infections that can cause hearing damage.<\/li>
- If you are sexually active, use protection to prevent the spread\nof sexually transmitted diseases, some of which can cause hearing loss.<\/li>
- Don\u2019t delay seeking medical attention should you fall ill.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Protection\nfrom Ototoxic Drugs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Some drugs cause damage to the sensory cells responsible for\nhearing. These include certain antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, salicylate pain\nrelievers (e.g., aspirin), quinine (for treating malaria) and diuretics. In\norder to reduce your odds of hearing loss when taking medications, follow these\ntips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Take medications only as directed.<\/li>
- If you experience symptoms of hearing loss such as tinnitus\nwhile taking new drugs, see your doctor immediately.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Preventing\nEar Injuries<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Head trauma can damage the temporal bones in the lower lateral\nwalls of the skull, leading to hearing loss. To help prevent this type of\ninjury, take the following precautions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Wear a seat belt at all times when in a car.<\/li>
- Wear a helmet when riding a bike or motorcycle, and\nparticipating in contact sports.<\/li>
- Don\u2019t take unnecessary risks, such as standing on the top rung\nof a ladder.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
There are other general steps you can take to protect your\nhearing. Refrain from inserting foreign objects in the ears; these can lead to\nimpacted earwax, a perforated eardrum or damage to the skin. Cotton swabs and\nsafety pins are notorious offenders. Use swim plugs when engaging in water\nactivities and be sure to dry your ears thoroughly after swimming or bathing.\nSeek prompt medical attention if you are suffering from an ear infection.<\/p>\n\n\n