Unintended Exposure to Loud Noises
It is extremely important to remember that in many situations, hearing loss is preventable. Unfortunately, unintended exposure to loud noise, such as watching a fireworks display, can be as damaging to your hearing as everyday noises.
The most damaging situations for your hearing are those that you aren’t prepared for, such as a sporting event or special effects in a live performance. When someone experiences an overwhelming noise, their body typically experiences discomfort with the loud sounds. If you notice “fuzziness of hearing” and ringing it may be due to damages of the hearing nerve, which may occur when a loud noises are unexpected. This type of damage is generally permanent sensorineural hearing loss and/or tinnitus.
Once you have begun to experience hearing loss typically the only treatment is hearing aids. While hearing aids work well and can fit comfortably, understandably, many people would prefer to preserve their hearing as long as possible.
It’s extremely important to routinely get a hearing test. The sooner you start taking the appropriate steps to prevent hearing loss, the better the chances are for you to preserve your hearing long-term. How often you should have your hearing checked is dependant on numerous factors. Your doctor is the only one who can say for sure how often you need to get your hearing checked.
It is important to talk with your audiologist as soon as you notice any symptoms, regardless of how small they may seem. The sooner the problem is addressed, the greater the chance is of delaying complete hearing loss.