If you take your ears for granted, listen up: hearing loss is
the third most common health problem in the U.S. It's also on
the rise. Compared to a 1971 federal survey that estimated 13.2
million Americans had hearing loss, up to 36 million Americans
now report lost hearing. When hearing goes, it may affect
quality of life and relationships. In this article, WebMD looks
at the causes, symptoms, and treatment of hearing loss. If you
have lost some of your hearing, you'll find strategies to keep
lines of communication open with friends and family. If your
hearing is still intact, this article could help you keep it
that way for years to come. The following suggestions will help
you care for hearing aids: Keep hearing aids away from heat and
moisture. Replace dead batteries immediately. Clean hearing aids
as instructed. Do not use hairspray or other hair care products
while wearing hearing aids. Turn off hearing aids when they are
not in use. Keep replacement batteries and small aids away from
children and pets.