The human body has some amazing and remarkable abilities. Scrapes, cuts, and broken bones are generally no problem for the human body to repair (I mean, sure, it takes a while, but your body can actually mend the huge bones in your arms and legs with little more than a splint and some time).
But when it comes to repairing the fragile little hairs in your ear, it’s not going to happen. At least, so far.
It’s really unfortunate that your body can accomplish such amazing feats of healing but can’t restore these little hairs. So what’s the deal?
When is Hearing Loss Permanent?
So, let’s get right to it. You’re at your doctor’s office attempting to digest the news he’s giving you: you’re losing your hearing. So you ask your doctor if your hearing will ever come back. And he tells you that it might or it might not.
It’s a little anticlimactic, speaking dramatically.
But he isn’t wrong. There are two general types of hearing loss:
- Blockage induced hearing loss: When there’s something obstructing your ear canal, you can exhibit all the signs of hearing loss. This blockage can be caused by a number of things, from the gross (ear wax) to the downright scary (tumors). The good news is that once the obstruction is removed, your hearing usually returns to normal.
- Hearing loss caused by damage: But hearing loss has another more prevalent type. This kind of hearing loss, called sensorineural hearing loss, is permanent. Here’s what happens: In your ear, there are little hairs that vibrate when struck by sound waves. When vibrations are transformed into signals, they are transmitted to the brain which makes them into the sounds you perceive. But loud noises can cause damage to the hairs and, over time, diminish your hearing to the point where you need treatment.
So here’s the main point: there’s one form of hearing loss you can recover from, and you may need to get tested to see which one you have.
Treating Hearing Loss
Scientists haven’t found a “cure” for sensorineural hearing loss but they’re working on it. But your hearing loss still might be manageable. Here are some ways that the correct treatment might help you:
- Ensure your general quality of life is untouched or stays high.
- Remain engaged socially, keeping isolation away.
- Successfully cope with any of the symptoms of hearing loss you may be experiencing.
- Preserve and safeguard the hearing you have left.
- Help fend off cognitive decline.
This treatment can take numerous forms, and it’ll normally depend on how severe your hearing loss is. One of the most prevalent treatments is fairly simple: hearing aids.
Why is Hearing Loss Effectively Treated With Hearing AIds?
You can return to the things and people you enjoy with the assistance of hearing aids. They can help you hear the conversation, your phone, your tv, or even just the sounds of nature. You won’t be struggling to hear so pressure will be removed from your brain.
Prevention is The Best Protection
Loud sounds and other things that would harm your hearing should be avoided and your ears should be safeguarded against them. Hearing well is critical to your general health and well-being. Regular hearing care, such as annual hearing tests, is just another type of self-care.