By Mary Ann Reynolds
There are no guarantees in life that say that you will have perfect health. For many, the aging process is painful as body parts become weaker and bodily systems begin to function less. One of the most commonly affected areas from the aging process is the loss in your hearing. Experts now consider 25% of the population between 65 - 75 have mild hearing loss while 75% over age 75 are hearing impaired.
What is the driver behind these numbers? The most common reason for hearing loss is long exposures to loud noises such as music or something as simple as a weed eater. This type of hearing damage is often referred to as noise-induced hearing loss or NIHL. Studies reveal that these long-time exposures may not have any effect until the aging process begins. Therefore, what you are doing now to your ears can negatively impact your health in the future.
Results of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Your hearing is vital to many of your daily functions. It is our primary form of communication in the world. We also consider our hearing to be one of our biggest contributors to the pleasures in life such as beautiful sounds of nature and hearing our children playing and laughing. One reason, however, why we are not paying attention is because it can be a subtle process. Government officials have published studies that reveal that sound decibels above 75 dBs can result in hearing loss. This could be as simple as cranking up your favorite song or from common yard tools such as a lawn mower.
As a result, the government has deployed workplace regulations through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to protect and educate employees. For example, regulations permit employees to work for extended periods of time in work zones that have a noise level above 90 dBs. While on the other hand, in work zones where employers know that the sound level will exceed 100 dBs, workers are required to wear hearing protection.
Employers understand the importance of abiding OSHA's guidelines, not because it is a government regulation, but simply for the fact that they want to provide a safe working environment.
How do I know if I have Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?
Being exposed to loud sounds can cause trauma to your hearing. In most cases you may just experience a slight ringing in your ears. However, lengthy exposure to loud noises greater than 75 dBs is the main contributor. If over time you experience muffled hearing, it is a good sign of hearing loss. This deterioration of hearing can also be caused by quick impulse sounds such as air horns.
Other side effects that may be a result of symptoms that you have been affected by NIHL include health changes. You may notice that you are becoming frequently dizzy; you could be more susceptible to vertigo which is a sense of equilibrium loss. You could even develop high blood pressure as a symptom.
Solutions do exist in special devices called hearing aids. With early detection tests, a hearing aid can be used to further protect you from hearing loss. You should first seek advice from a medical professional and should never attempt to diagnose yourself. There are doctors that specialize in NIHL conditions and can customize treatment options for you. Sometimes options can be prescribed medications while most times a hearing aid will do the job.
Maryann Reynolds is an expert in many fields and writes articles from her own research and experience. She is no longer embarrassed by her hearing loss because now she lives comfortably and hears clearly with her Beltone hearing aids. Please follow her along on her journey by checking out her new site that is helping people find the best deals on hearing aids by visiting http://www.beltonehearingaids.org
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=MaryAnn_Reynolds
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Do You Know the Symptoms of an Inner Ear Infection?
By Paull Hamilton Platinum Quality Author
You could begin to notice some loss of hearing and this will be because of a blockage in the ear. You could also experience tinnitus [ringing in the ears] plus a feeling of fullness and pressure.
If the hearing loss is in a child you will probably notice that they will need the TV turned up or they might not answer or come to you when you call. They could appear as though they are not paying attention at school, but all of this could be because they are not hearing so well.
Mostly ear infections seem to come after flu or a bad cold and can possibly be accompanied by a fever.
If you find that the pressure inside your ear has built up to such an extent that the eardrum has burst, you will notice a thick yellow mucus draining from the ear. This may seem quite frightening but you shouldn't get too uptight about it, the eardrum is quite capable of healing itself.
Also because of the pressure when the tubes in your ear become blocked you could feel quite sick and dizzy. Strangely your eyes can be affected by this condition, they can seem to drift sideways before they move back into focus. Symptoms of inner ear infection, altogether a rather nasty and debilitating feeling but not life threatening.
Middle ear infections seem to mostly hit small children under six years of age. Usually after that age they will grow out of having these infections and should be alright as they are growing up, having no lasting problems.
The reason for children being so susceptible is because their tubes from ear to nose are naturally quite small and easily get blocked.
The best thing to do when children exhibit symptoms of inner ear infection is to watch and wait, the situation can clear up without any help from you, but if this is not the case then naturally you need to consult your doctor.
The pain from this affliction can be quite sharp but will not necessarily be accompanied by fever.
Mostly this inflammation and infection occurs just behind the eardrum. The Eustachian tube becomes blocked and is not ventilated properly meaning that fluids cannot drain through and out through the nose.
Ears normally produce a small amount of fluid, this is quite natural and you shouldn't even notice when it drains down your throat.
When you get such a blockage it could be due to a respiratory infection, blocked sinuses or even adenoidal problems.
If you have had a cold, the Eustachian tube, which drains any fluid from the ears into the throat, becomes swollen and blocked with mucus/catarrh. Because the fluids are not draining away properly they can become quite nasty and germs can build up as a result of this.
These inner ear infections can last for quite a few weeks before they really clear up, if they continue beyond this then you obviously need to see your doctor.
"Stop Ear Infections Naturally"
Hi my name is Paul Hamilton. I run a successful website that will give you lots of useful help and information on how to deal with the often painful problem of ear infections.
You could begin to notice some loss of hearing and this will be because of a blockage in the ear. You could also experience tinnitus [ringing in the ears] plus a feeling of fullness and pressure.
If the hearing loss is in a child you will probably notice that they will need the TV turned up or they might not answer or come to you when you call. They could appear as though they are not paying attention at school, but all of this could be because they are not hearing so well.
Mostly ear infections seem to come after flu or a bad cold and can possibly be accompanied by a fever.
If you find that the pressure inside your ear has built up to such an extent that the eardrum has burst, you will notice a thick yellow mucus draining from the ear. This may seem quite frightening but you shouldn't get too uptight about it, the eardrum is quite capable of healing itself.
Also because of the pressure when the tubes in your ear become blocked you could feel quite sick and dizzy. Strangely your eyes can be affected by this condition, they can seem to drift sideways before they move back into focus. Symptoms of inner ear infection, altogether a rather nasty and debilitating feeling but not life threatening.
Middle ear infections seem to mostly hit small children under six years of age. Usually after that age they will grow out of having these infections and should be alright as they are growing up, having no lasting problems.
The reason for children being so susceptible is because their tubes from ear to nose are naturally quite small and easily get blocked.
The best thing to do when children exhibit symptoms of inner ear infection is to watch and wait, the situation can clear up without any help from you, but if this is not the case then naturally you need to consult your doctor.
The pain from this affliction can be quite sharp but will not necessarily be accompanied by fever.
Mostly this inflammation and infection occurs just behind the eardrum. The Eustachian tube becomes blocked and is not ventilated properly meaning that fluids cannot drain through and out through the nose.
Ears normally produce a small amount of fluid, this is quite natural and you shouldn't even notice when it drains down your throat.
When you get such a blockage it could be due to a respiratory infection, blocked sinuses or even adenoidal problems.
If you have had a cold, the Eustachian tube, which drains any fluid from the ears into the throat, becomes swollen and blocked with mucus/catarrh. Because the fluids are not draining away properly they can become quite nasty and germs can build up as a result of this.
These inner ear infections can last for quite a few weeks before they really clear up, if they continue beyond this then you obviously need to see your doctor.
"Stop Ear Infections Naturally"
Hi my name is Paul Hamilton. I run a successful website that will give you lots of useful help and information on how to deal with the often painful problem of ear infections.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Good Nutrition For Good Hearing
By Steven Panzullo Platinum Quality Author
The types of nutrition you need may depend on what types of hearing problems you may be faced with, but noise-induced hearing problems or loss seems to be better helped with plenty of Vitamin A because it helps with inner ear function and growth. Other nutrients good for the ears include: B vitamins which help to reduce ear pressure and ringing or humming in the ears. Vitamin C helps with acute hearing loss due to too much exposure to noise. Vitamin D helps reduce hearing problems caused by abnormal bone growth or the sensory nervous system. Finally Vitamin E has been known to improve hearing by helping to recover some of it.
Some minerals that are good for promoting good hearing include: copper, zinc, iodine, iron, and magnesium. These minerals help to improve noise induced hearing loss problems and other inner and middle ear problems that can occur as we grow and age. Other nutrients that are good for hearing health are amino acids and antioxidants to help with free radicals and other pollutants that may contribute to hearing problems.
Knowing what is good to eat and what should be limited or avoided is not only good for our hearts, muscles, and eyes, but also for our ears as well. It is important that we continue to maintain healthy diets and exercise as well as check in with a doctor. This way we can relax, enjoy life, and continue to hear all the sounds around us long into the future.
Get your best product result without sales pressure, hype or misleading information! Herbalife Distributor, or learn more about Herbalife Diet, For more information about Steven Panzullo, article marketing and search engine optimization call 1-866-552-7830
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steven_Panzullo
The types of nutrition you need may depend on what types of hearing problems you may be faced with, but noise-induced hearing problems or loss seems to be better helped with plenty of Vitamin A because it helps with inner ear function and growth. Other nutrients good for the ears include: B vitamins which help to reduce ear pressure and ringing or humming in the ears. Vitamin C helps with acute hearing loss due to too much exposure to noise. Vitamin D helps reduce hearing problems caused by abnormal bone growth or the sensory nervous system. Finally Vitamin E has been known to improve hearing by helping to recover some of it.
Some minerals that are good for promoting good hearing include: copper, zinc, iodine, iron, and magnesium. These minerals help to improve noise induced hearing loss problems and other inner and middle ear problems that can occur as we grow and age. Other nutrients that are good for hearing health are amino acids and antioxidants to help with free radicals and other pollutants that may contribute to hearing problems.
Knowing what is good to eat and what should be limited or avoided is not only good for our hearts, muscles, and eyes, but also for our ears as well. It is important that we continue to maintain healthy diets and exercise as well as check in with a doctor. This way we can relax, enjoy life, and continue to hear all the sounds around us long into the future.
Get your best product result without sales pressure, hype or misleading information! Herbalife Distributor, or learn more about Herbalife Diet, For more information about Steven Panzullo, article marketing and search engine optimization call 1-866-552-7830
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steven_Panzullo
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