How to Recognize the Risk Factors for Deafness

Many factors can increase the risk of deafness and hearing loss. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, an estimated 30 million people are at risk of noise-induced hearing loss. However, deafness can also be caused by illness, medication, aging and complications associated with birth. Certain occupations and activities also increase risk factors, but knowing what they are can help prevent long-term damage. Read on to learn how to recognize the risk factors for deafness.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Know that certain activities can increase your risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Listening to loud music, operating machinery, target shooting or being close to firecrackers can increase risk of hearing loss or deafness. Learn more about NIHL on the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders website. See the Resources section below for a link.
2. Be aware that permanent hearing loss can occur with a single exposure to a loud blast.
3. Recognize that long-term, unprotected exposure to noise above 85 decibels can cause permanent hearing damage that may go undetected for years. Find decibel levels on the Better Hearing website. See the Resources section below for a link.
4. Take precautions and wear protective ear coverings in occupations with a high risk of noise-induced hearing loss, such as firefighting, law enforcement and construction. Operating heavy machinery, farm equipment or amplified musical equipment can also increase the risk of NIHL. Airport and military personnel are also at risk.
5. Know that premature birth, prenatal infections, low birth weight, heredity, age and family history increase risk factors for deafness.
6. Ask your doctor to explain risk factors of medication. Some drugs used to fight cancer are ototoxic, as are some diuretics, antibiotics and aspirin. When taking such drugs, doctors will usually recommend regular hearing tests.
7. Take precautions to prevent illnesses, such as meningitis, scarlet fever and mumps, that can increase the risk factors of deafness.
8. Know that a build-up of fluid associated with certain conditions, such as Ménière's disease, is a common cause of deafness, as are chronic ear infections.
9. Consult a physician when fluid or earwax builds up due to allergies, illness or sinus problems, causing temporary hearing loss, ringing of the ears or ear pain.
10. Recognize additional risk factors, including head trauma, brain tumors, neurological disorders and thyroid problems.

Tips & Warnings

• Limit unprotected exposure to noisy environments to reduce the risk of hearing loss.