Hearing loss happening earlier - FOX 25/48 - WLAX/WEUX La Crosse & Eau Claire News

Hearing loss happening earlier

If you plan to enjoy summer concerts, you may want to pay closer attention to the impact the music has on your ears.   

The loud music can be damaging to the ears and while it may not be noticeable now, you could already have permanent damage.

 Paul Grant, Owner of Designz Incorporated didn't know he was losing his hearing until it was too late.

"It came so gradual. I was asking 'huh' too many times," said Grant.

His wife noticed his hearing loss before he did.

"My wife kept letting me know that I wasn't hearing too well, and on the phone hearing is the hardest thing when you have hearing loss," said Grant.

Dr. Angela Menke, an Audiologist at Gundersen Lutheran says its common for people to be in denial about their hearing.

"It sneaks up on you. Often times they will accuse the family of mumbling," said Dr. Menke.

Hearing loss is starting earlier than ever says Dr. Menke, and all because of technology.

"High school and even middle school, everyone has an ipod these days. With digital technology they are turning it up without getting the distortion they used too," said Dr. Menke.

After a concert you may experience some temporary loss and ringing in the ears. Over time multiple instances of temporary loss could end up being permanent.

A hearing evaluation at the audiologist takes 15-30 minutes, but prevention is key. Ear plugs at concerts, while hunting, or mowing the lawn, and turning down the ipod can help in the long run.

"There are thousands of hair cells on the inner ear, you may not damage them all at once maybe just a few at a time and if you continue to damage you wear them away," said Dr. Menke.

And once it's gone there is no way to get it back.

"There is no magic pill or surgery that will correct that damage to hair cells. Prevention is the best thing you can do with what you have left," said Dr. Menke.