Unprotected exposure to gunshots, rock concerts, explosions or listening to music through headphones turned too loud, or the cacophony of noisy machinery, night clubs can temporarily or permanently damage your ear.

Unprotected exposure to gunshots, rock concerts, explosions or listening to music through headphones turned too loud, or the cacophony of noisy machinery, night clubs can temporarily or permanently damage your ear. Acoustic trauma is especially destructive of the ability to hear high pitches, and the damage is worst when the loud sound itself is high-pitched. One of the main causes of hearing loss is aging. Our hearing ability worsens when we cross 30s, and when we reach 80s more than half of us suffer from hearing loss. Hearing loss can cause various problems depending on the person; he or she may suffer some physical, psychological and social problems.

Acoustic trauma, if ignored can lead to many other problems in the future. It is advisable to treat it before it is too late. Most of the people who suffer from loss of hearing are aged ones. Earlier, this was the biggest problem to treat, but with the newer technology, treating hearing loss is not a big issue. There are various types of hearing issues, and hence solutions for them vary too. But before you look out for an option that is suitable for your hearing problem, you should first understand which type of loss you are suffering.

There are various syndromes that are related to hearing loss. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is rare when it comes to hearing loss, but if ignored can lead to skin diseases or heart problems. Stickler syndrome is another disease of the ear, which causes problems in hearing, vision, heart, joint and bone. Another syndrome for hearing loss is Treacher Collins, Alport, Pendered and Ushers syndrome. Nerve deafness or Sensorineural hearing loss is other type of Acoustic trauma that affects the vestibulococlear or inner ear or the acoustic nerve. It happens when hair cells which transmit sound and brain is damaged results in improper functioning.

There is a new habituation therapy designed for those who have tinnitus or ringing ears. This therapy is called as Tinnitus Retraining Therapy. Almost all of us might have experienced tinnitus perhaps for few hours when you return from rock concert or any other occasion where your ears are subjected to noise. Before going for any treatment, it is good to know the exact solution of the problem.

You will find number of online sites that provide online hearing test. It takes around 5 minutes to help you in determining the acoustic trauma level that you are suffering. You must have heard of hearing aids which are special sound devices for all patients who are suffering from acoustic trauma. After the tests, you will be given a demonstration of the various hearing aids available so that you can choose the best one that suits you. With newer technology, these aids are available in various sizes and shapes suitable for patient’s needs and comfort. The digital hearing aid has made it possible for patients to listen quite sounds by amplifying them without distorting louder sounds. This makes patients to be a part of music concert and other daily activities.

Resources:

Graham Barnes is the author of this article on Stickler Syndrome.
Find more information on Tinnitus retraining therapy here.

Author: John Perry.

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