Hearing loss occurs at any age, and the risk of hearing loss increases with age. Stating that the causes of hearing loss in adults and babies are different from each other, Prof. Dr. Ayça Çiprut, Head of Audiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Marmara University said, “While genetic factors, infection, head trauma, calcification in the middle ear, use of drugs that cause damage to the inner ear, aging, exposure to loud and long-term noise cause hearing loss in adults; In babies, premature birth, conditions during birth, infections of the mother during pregnancy, the use of certain drugs and genetic factors can cause hearing loss. Early diagnosis is very important in the treatment of hearing loss. Family members working with audiologists and family support provide an advantage for patients in gaining awareness about hearing loss, acceptance of hearing loss and hearing aid use.”
Hearing loss is defined not only as a general health problem, but also as a social problem. Reminding that hearing loss is among the most common diseases in old age, Prof. Dr. Ayça Çiprut, Head of Audiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Marmara University, said, “While the frequency of hearing loss is 5.4 percent at young ages, this rate rises to 30-46% between the ages of 65 and 85. This rate exceeds 50-60 percent for those aged 85 and over.”
Precautions should be taken against hearing loss
Noting that precautions should be taken to avoid hearing loss, Prof. Dr. Ayça Çiprut said, “In order to prevent hearing loss, which is a social problem, it is important for those who work in noisy environments to work using protective earphones and to be followed up with regular hearing controls in order to protect their hearing health. Noise-induced hearing loss is one of the most common occupational diseases in addition to being one of the most important causes of hearing loss in adults. According to statistics, 10 percent of occupational diseases are hearing loss caused by noise. In addition, activities such as listening to high-volume music with headphones, participating in loud music activities, hunting with firearms can also damage the inner ear.”
Early intervention in hearing loss reduces negative effects
Stating that permanent hearing loss in newborns is one of the most common congenital problems, Head of Audiology Department Prof. Dr. Ayça Çiprut said, “Whatever the degree of hearing loss, it negatively affects the speech and language development of children. Children with hearing loss cannot develop speech and language appropriate for their age, and accordingly, their school success, cognitive and psychosocial development lag behind their peers. Therefore, early diagnosis of hearing loss and early intervention in hearing loss can reduce and prevent the negative effects of hearing loss. Especially newborn hearing screening programs provide early diagnosis and early intervention for babies with hearing loss. In this way, the negative effects of hearing loss on the child can be reduced and they can show similar development with their peers.”
It should not be said that no problem even if I don’t hear it after this age
Declaring that no matter what age hearing loss occurs, the patient should definitely consult a specialist when it is noticed, Prof. Dr. Ayça Çiprut said, “It is very important to consult a physician as soon as hearing loss is noticed, in order to reduce the negative effects of hearing loss. If it is a child, it is necessary to conduct an audiological examination and necessary intervention without wasting time, with excuses such as ‘he somehow does talk’, ‘His father spoke late’, and if he is an adult, ‘I am already old, what happens if I hear it after this time’ or ‘I just turn up the volume on the TV, if I don’t hear’.
Family support is important in hearing aid use
Indicating that in hearing loss without medical or surgical treatment, it is recommended to start rehabilitation with a hearing aid, after the detection of hearing loss, in order not to impair the communication skills of the person, not to be cut off from life, education or business life, or to have difficulties in his social life, Prof. Dr. Ayça Çiprut said, “Families have a great responsibility in this regard. The support of family members is important for the wearing of hearing aids, cleaning of the molds, battery replacement and regular use of the patients. Likewise, raising awareness about hearing loss, acceptance of hearing loss and hearing aid use, family members working with audiologists and strong family support provide an advantage for patients.”
