Millions of people suffer from allergies every year, most of them brought about by the changing of the seasons. Allergies bring with them a wide array of different symptoms, most of which are temporary but some of which can be permanently damaging to your health. If you start to experience some hearing loss due to your allergies, you should be aware of how long this hearing loss is going to last and what you can do to mitigate the damage. There are several options open to you that should help you reverse the hearing loss or at least reduce the amount of loss that has occurred.
Are Hearing Aids The Only Option For allergy-induced Hearing Loss?
Hearing aids are the main option to use for allergy-induced hearing loss but they are not the only ones. If you have started to experience some hearing loss due to a recent bout of allergies, it's important to understand that this hearing loss should resolve itself over a relatively short period of time, which is the case with nearly all of the symptoms that are brought about by allergies. The primary reason that hearing loss occurs because of your allergies is due to mucus buildup. This buildup of mucus can cause what is referred to as conductive hearing loss, which is a condition wherein sound waves are unable to travel through the outer portion of the ear.
The hearing loss symptoms that occur because of your allergies can affect your outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear. If you start to experience hearing loss, it is likely because your outer ear is suffering from swelling while your middle ear can have fluid buildup inside of it. Your hearing can also be impaired within your inner ear if you suffer from such disorders and conditions as Meniere's disease. Hearing loss due to allergies is most likely a temporary symptom. You should notice your hearing starting to return to normal around the same time that your other allergic symptoms are subsiding.
While most situations of hearing loss that are induced by allergies can be resolved by simply waiting it out or taking a prescribed medication for a couple of weeks, there are some situations where your hearing could be permanently damaged. This typically only occurs when the allergy attack is a particularly strong one. If your hearing was affected substantially, you may be unable to hear well out of one or both ears. In this situation, it's heavily recommended that you consider hearing aids to help with the problem.
How Does a Hearing Aid Work?
A hearing aid is a type of small instrument that is designed to amplify sound specifically in the portions of your ear that are suffering from hearing loss. There are a variety of types of hearing aids, the differences between each centering more on style as opposed to function. An audiologist will be able to program the hearing aid to enhance the sounds in the exact areas of your ear that are necessary. Many of these devices are also outfitted with extra convenience features that you may want to consider, such as Bluetooth connectivity.
The majority of hearing aids are much more technologically advanced than you might expect. For instance, they can automatically lower the volume or raise the volume depending on what types of sounds are occurring around you. If a person starts to speak loudly right next to your ear, the hearing aid will adjust the volume lower in order to compensate. Ancillary noises can also be suppressed so that you will be able to hear actual voices more clearly when someone is speaking to you. In order to be certain about whether or not you will require a hearing aid, make sure to schedule an appointment with an ENT specialist or audiologist.
What Are the Different Types of Hearing Aids Available?
The ENT specialist or audiologist that you schedule an appointment with will be able to help you ascertain which type or style of hearing aid is best for you. They can come in a variety of different colors and finishes, the decision of which largely comes down to which you prefer. Some of these hearing aids are designed to be placed directly into your ear canal without any portion of the aid shows. A selection of models can be placed in the canal or in the outer portion of the ear while still leaving a portion of the hearing aid to be visible. Some aids can also be placed behind the ear for a more discreet look.
How Do I Become Accustomed to Wearing Hearing Aids?
If you have just received one or more hearing aids and are trying to become accustomed to wearing them, there are several guidelines that you might want to consider. For one, you might want to start wearing them only in environments that are relatively quiet. Once you become acclimated to these environments, you can move on to ones that are louder and noisier. When you are in a loud environment, try to focus on the important sounds and filter out any background noise.
You can also become accustomed to wearing hearing aids by having one-on-one conversations with a friend or family member. They will likely understand what you are trying to do and can help you become more comfortable with the hearing aid. In order to keep the hearing aid in good condition, make sure to clean it regularly based on any instructions that you received. You should also make sure that the hearing aid is never around high amounts of moisture or heat.
A person who experiences sudden hearing loss is advised to see an ENT physician as quickly as possible. Becker Ear, Nose & Throat Center employs highly skilled physicians who provide state-of-the-art evaluation and treatment for patients experiencing hearing loss for all ages. Becker ENT is dedicated to addressing hearing loss concerns by providing safe and relatively painless diagnoses as well as a convenient and cost-effective treatment. Visit the website at www.beckerent.com to learn more.
If your hearing was affected substantially, you may be unable to hear well out of one or both ears. In this situation, it's heavily recommended that you consider digital hearing aids to help with the problem.
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