HEALTH & WELLNESS S P E C I A L S E C T I O N
some degree of hearing loss, increasing
to one in two people by age 65 and
older. Chronic exposure to loud noises
and aging are the two main causes of
hearing loss, resulting in the perception
of muffled speech from others, difficulty
understanding words, frequent requests
for others to repeat themselves, loud
volume on the television or radio, and
avoidance of social settings.
Hearing loss occurs when there is
damage to the inner ear, infection in
the ear, or ruptured eardrum. Damage
to the inner ear can happen with age, or
constant exposure to loud noises over
an extended period of time. These cause
wear on the nerve cells in the cochlea
that send sound to the brain. When they
are damaged, signals aren’t transmitted
as effectively, causing loss of hearing.
Heredity, aging, occupational and
recreational noises, some medications,
and some illnesses may cause either
partial or full hearing loss, but there are
ways to treat hearing loss. Treatment
can include surgical procedures, hearing
aids, or cochlear implants.
Preventive measures can also be taken
to protect against noise-induced hearing
loss and to avoid age-related hearing loss.
Be sure to wear protective earmuffs if
you work in a loud environment or are
hunting, going to concerts or doing other
loud activities for an extended period of
time. It is also important to have your
hearing tested on a regular basis. Early
detection is key to preventing complete
hearing loss.
Mouth Health
Your mouth can tell a lot about your
overall health. Investing in your oral
health is also investing in your general
health. There are several conditions
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