Nola Aronson, a Santa Clarita audiologist from Advanced Audiology, is talking about several potential causes of hearing loss, noting that age is not the only thing to consider.
“Yes, we do lose our hearing as we get older sometimes,” Aronson said. “The thing is that more and more people are going to be having hearing loss at a younger and younger age, so it’s not about age anymore.”
Hearing loss is not only a result of hereditary reasons, but can also be a result of noise exposure at a younger age and overall lifestyle, according to Aronson.
“It depends on what you actually did when you were younger, so if you went target shooting when you were younger, when you’re about 50, you’re going to start to notice probably some hearing loss,” she explained.
Aronson continued that when the gun was fired by or near someone without ear protection, the loud noise would kill the hair cells inside the hearing nerve, resulting in a need for higher volume to reach the remaining hair cells at the back of the nerve.
“That happens a lot of times at a young age, and then over time, because of age, more hair cells die,” she said. “So you already had a headstart when you shot a gun, even one time. One time without ear protection.”
Related: Santa Clarita Audiologist Discusses Possible Causes Of Hearing Loss
Other possible common causes of hearing loss are misusing earbuds and working at a job with ongoing noise exposure without using ear protection, such as being a musician.
“The earbuds you have to be really careful (with), because if somebody else can hear what you’re hearing in your earbuds, that’s too loud and that’s going to cause hearing loss later,” Aronson said. “Occupation causes hearing loss, so you have to make sure you have ear protection.”
Musicians can get custom-made ear plugs at Advanced Audiology that are designed to protect their hearing, but will still enable them to hear their music being played, Aronson said.
Residents can make an appointment for a free hearing screening at Advanced Audiology, where they can establish a hearing baseline, get hearing education and learning about solutions to hearing loss.
“We’re not salespeople — we’re medical professionals,” Aronson said. “All we care about is, how can we help you? If you don’t want to do something about (hearing loss), we’re not going to push you into it, but we will educate you. We will help you. We’ll do anything that we can do to make your life better. That’s what we’re all about at Advanced Audiology.”
To call Advanced Audiology and schedule a free hearing screening, call 661-592-2718.
Advanced Audiology was founded in 2010 by Santa Clarita audiologist Nola Aronson, who has been fitting hearing aids for more than 30 years. Advanced Audiology is the largest diagnostic hearing center in the Santa Clarita Valley, focusing on clients with hearing loss, tinnitus, ears ringing and more. Hearing tests, hearing aids and new sound infrared devices are also available at Advanced Audiology in addition to a complete hearing healthcare program that includes free batteries, quarterly cleanings and adjustments.
Advanced Audiology
23822 Valencia Blvd. #103
Valencia, CA 91355
661-592-2718
