Have you ever felt like you had to repeat yourself when talking to someone? Or do you often feel like sounds around you sound muffled or faint? If so, you may be experiencing hearing loss.
What is Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss is a condition in which a person experiences a partial or complete reduction in their ability to hear sounds. This condition can occur gradually or suddenly, and be temporary or permanent.
This disorder can affect anyone, from babies to the elderly, and often goes unnoticed until it has reached a fairly serious stage.
Causes of Hearing Loss
There are several factors that can cause hearing loss, including:
- Earwax buildup (cerumen)
- Middle or inner ear infection
- Continuous exposure to loud noises (noise-induced hearing loss)
- Aging (presbycusis)
- Head injury or trauma
- Medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or viral infections
- Congenital abnormalities in infants and children
Symptoms to Watch Out For
Hearing loss often develops gradually, so symptoms often go unnoticed. Some signs to look for include:
- Difficulty hearing conversations, especially in noisy places
- Often asking the person you are talking to to repeat what you said
- Television or radio volume that is louder than usual
- Feeling of fullness or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Does not respond normally to sound, especially in children
The Importance of Early Detection
Untreated hearing loss can impact quality of life, including communication skills, reduced work performance, and emotional and social problems. In children, this disorder can even hinder speech and learning development.
Therefore, it's crucial to get checked as soon as symptoms appear. An ENT specialist can help evaluate the cause and determine appropriate treatment, including medication, ear cleaning, therapy, and even the use of hearing aids if necessary.
Tips for Maintaining Ear Health
- Avoid cleaning your ears too deeply with cotton buds.
- Limit the use of earphones at high volume
- Use ear protection in noisy environments
- Immediately see an ENT doctor if you experience an ear infection or pain.
Don't Wait Until It's Serious, Check Now!
If you or someone close to you begins to experience signs of hearing loss, don't hesitate to consult an ENT specialist. Prompt detection and treatment can help prevent hearing loss from worsening.
Article written by Dr. B. Vimala Acala Pramuditya, Sp.THT-KL (Ear, Nose, Throat, Head and Neck Specialist, EMC Pekayon Hospital).