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Methodist Charlton Medical Center
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Spring 2015
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True or false?
Hearing loss is
always a sign of aging.
False. Hearing loss is a common
condition, especially as we age. But age
isn’t the only reason hearing can go bad.
“Many adults experience hearing loss
in their 20s, 30s, and 40s,” says Jinhee
Choi, MD, otolaryngologist — ear,
nose, and throat (ENT) specialist — at
Methodist Charlton Medical Center.
True or false?
There is only
one cause of hearing loss in
younger adults.
False.
“Reasons for hearing loss among
younger adults vary and can include
genetics, illness, and external factors,”
Dr. Choi says.
Causes include:
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Being exposed to loud music and
noise from things like lawn mowers,
motorcycles, or work equipment. Those
who served in the military may have
experienced loud noises associated
with combat
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Taking certain medications
Now
hear this!
Why younger adults are
losing their hearing ability
HAVE YOU HEARD?
Methodist Charlton has board-certified ENT doctors on our medical staff many of whom are
participating in the Mayo Clinic Care Network collaboration Methodist Health System is the first
member of the network in Texas Just call
214-947-6296
to find a physician right for you
“Wait.
What?”
Do you find yourself saying those words
more often these days? If so, you could
be among the millions of Americans with
some degree of hearing loss. But is what
you’ve heard about hearing loss the truth?
Take this quiz and find out.
Sources American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery National
Institute on Aging
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Having a health condition, such as
recurrent ear infections, a head injury,
or a brain tumor
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Chemotherapy or long-term IV
antibiotic therapy
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Having fluid or wax buildup in the ears
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Genetics or a family history of chronic
ear disease
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Otosclerosis, a condition that affects the
middle ear conduction system, causing
hearing loss over time
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Congenital causes, including maternal
infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV)
or syphilis.
Hearing loss can also be idiopathic —
meaning it has no apparent cause.
“This type of hearing loss usually occurs
only in one ear, and the patient may have a
spontaneous recovery within three weeks,”
Dr. Choi says. “If hearing does not return
within three weeks, the patient should see
a physician to rule out the possibility of a
brain tumor.”
True or false?
Hearing loss can
be treated.
True.
If you lose your hearing, there
are treatments available, as well as
assistive devices, such as hearing aids and
surgical implants.
True or false?
You can help
prevent hearing loss.
True. If your hearing is still going strong,
you can take steps to keep it from fading
in your younger years.
“The best way to prevent hearing loss
is to avoid loud noise exposure,” Dr. Choi
says. “Wear protective gear at work or when
mowing the lawn to decrease exposure.
Also keep the volume low on your
headphones to minimize the effect that
loud music may have on hearing later on.”
Q