Are You Hearing Everything Life Has to Offer?
Hearing loss is a natural part of getting older. Already at age 20, we've lost the ability to perceive some of the sounds infants can hear. By the time we reach 30 or 40, subtle—but significant—losses have begun to occur. Once we reach our 80s, more than half of us suffer from significant hearing loss.
With the added factor of prolonged exposure to high intensity noise at work and home, hearing impairment is becoming even more common at an earlier age. More than half of all people with hearing challenges today are still in the workforce.
It's a Noisy World Out There
Noise levels have increased everywhere. From hair dryers to leaf blowers, lawnmowers, snowmobiles, iPods®, freeway traffic, surround sound speakers and more, we constantly expose our ears to damaging levels of noise.
And that's just at home. Our work environments are becoming increasingly loud as well. Some of the noisiest workplaces are those where firefighters, factory workers, farmers, teachers, construction workers and musicians spend a significant part of their day.
Other factors that may contribute to hearing loss include:
- Accumulated earwax or blockage of the ear canal by a foreign object
- Infection, disease, or medical disorders
- Physical trauma to the head or ear
- Ototoxic reaction to drugs or cancer treatment (i.e. antibiotics, chemotherapy, radiation)
- Illness during pregnancy or complications during birth
It's Up to You to Take Action
By the time you notice a change, your hearing ability may be more compromised than you realize. Take control of your health by getting your hearing checked. From hearing devices to advanced preventive technology, Dr. Barak will find the right solution for your needs.