Staying Open-Minded About Your Healthcare

When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer, I didn't know what I was going to do. After the devastation subsided, I decided to take a very standard, western approach to my healing. Although initial efforts were successful, my cancer recurred a few months later. I endured many additional months of treatment before I started focusing on myself. I decided it was time to incorporate complimentary alternative treatments into my healing regimen, including massage therapy. I can't even begin to tell you how much it changed my life. My healing became a process, instead of something I simply had to endure. I hope that the articles on my website can inspire you to stay open-minded about your own healthcare.

What You Should Know About Mild Hearing Loss

Health & Medical Blog

When it comes to hearing loss, there are many different types. The lowest level is called mild hearing loss, which can either occur from birth or due to damage of the ear canal. Here is more information about this type of hearing loss and what can be done about it.

What causes mild hearing loss?

There are many things that can contribute to mild hearing loss. In fact, some of these causes are so common that you might not even notice your hearing has started to wane for quite some time. The possible causes of mild hearing loss are:

  • Having an obstruction in the ear
  • Built-up earwax
  • Malformation of the ear structures
  • Fluid in the middle ear
  • Allergies
  • Perforated eardrum
  • Benign tumor
  • Ear infection
  • Lack of Eustachian tube function

How do you know you have mild hearing loss?

There are a few different signs that can tell you that your hearing is starting to go. Pay attention to what you do in your daily life and how many times you need to ask someone to repeat themselves. Do your friends and family's voices suddenly seem quieter than they used to? It is probably you, and not just that everyone is talking quieter. You might also notice that you don't hear the sirens outside like you once did or that you have to turn up the volume on your television to a higher volume than you ever did. With a little observation, you should be able to notice it.

Another way you can tell if you have mild hearing loss is by testing your hearing with earplugs. Get a pair of foamy earplugs and insert them. Do not do this if you currently have an infection or any pain of your inner ear. Turn your radio or television up to a reasonable volume. If you can still hear the volume on the television, but it is faint, you probably have normal hearing. With mild hearing loss, the volume will likely be almost non-existent. If you hear absolutely nothing with the earplugs in, then your hearing loss might be moderate.

How is mild hearing loss treated?

The treatment will depend on the cause of your hearing loss. If it is due to the aging process or a medical condition that doesn't have a cure, then you will need to get hearing aids. There are many hearing aids available. Your doctor will first give you a hearing test to determine what your hearing loss is, then decide on the best hearing aids. For temporary causes of hearing loss, you will be treated for the cause. This may include antibiotics for an ear infections or removing the earwax. For more information, speak with experts like Hearing Professionals of Illinois.

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4 May 2015