Contact sports, which include football, basketball, hockey, lacrosse, baseball, and rugby, are a source of great fun for both the players and the fans. Any participating player would love to win against the opponents.
But in most cases, the players are not aware of the health effects of their actions. The most common health issues associated with contact sports are physical injuries, fractures, and concussions. Medical professionals have identified that the risk may even go further to developing hearing loss due to brain concussion. Hearing loss can result in two ways.
A concussion to the head may spoil nerves that transmit the sound message from the inner ear to the brain. Likewise, a blow can damage the cochlea that functions as a sound transmitter.
Besides causing a direct hearing loss, brain trauma can also damage the brain in ways that lead to complications like cerebral contusions, meningitis, facial paralysis, and vertigo. Such conditions are associated with loss of important body functions.
How to prevent hearing loss resulting from contact sports
To minimize cases of head injuries that may lead to a hearing loss, neurosurgeons encourage players to take the following protective measures;
- Use of personal protective equipment that is approved by the American Society for Testing and Materials.
- Use of fitting head gears.
- During exercise, players should work on strengthening their neck and head muscles.
Effects of hearing loss
Hearing loss can have many effects on a sportsman. Some of them include;
Coping with hearing loss can be a challenge. The athlete can feel stressed due to the use of hearing aids, inability to socialize with friends and their reduced sports performance.
Hearing plays a significant role in life. Hearing helps us to identify sounds that help us in making judgment. For this reason, hearing loss increases the risks on a person’s safety.
- Reduced sports performance
Communication is important when playing a match. After a hearing loss becomes apparent, the affected athlete may not coordinate well with other players.
Most people facing hearing loss often suffer a distressed life. They may lose their jobs or even have a problem with socializing due to a hearing defect. As a result, they often endure a low-quality life that is characterized by stress, depression, and low self-esteem.
It is recommended that you seek medical intervention if you suspect that you have a hearing loss. Some of the symptoms that can help you to identify a hearing loss are;
- Difficult understanding word when people are talking
- Requesting people to repeat what they say
- Increasing the volume of your music player
- Talking loudly
- Ringing sound in your ear
- Loss of balance
- Discharge from your ears
- Severe pain
If you experience the symptoms above, seek immediate medical attention. Your doctor will help to diagnose if you have developed the issue. Afterward, a doctor will prescribe an intervention to treat hearing loss.
How to Manage Hearing Loss Resulting From Traumatic Brain Injury
Hearing aids are the most commonly used devices for individuals with moderate hearing loss. Hearing aids can either be fitted inside or outside the ear. Besides the use of hearing aids, hearing loss can also be managed through Cochlear implants and brain stem implants.
Early treatment will help to reduce issues with communication, distress, and isolation. After treatment, you will be required to minimize your exposure to loud noises within your environment.
Despite the importance of medical assistance, finding a reliable and quality audiology service provider may be challenging.
If you reside in New York City, Audiology Island is recommended. Audiology Island provides all health services regarding your hearing health. Audiology Island is managed by Dr. Zhanneta Shapiro and Dr. Stella Fulman.
Dr. Stella Fulman is an experienced audiologist with a sound academic background. Dr. Fulman holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Audiology from Brooklyn College. She has worked in organizations such as a million dollar grant and Hear USA.
Dr. Fulman works with her colleague, Dr. Zhanneta Shapiro, who has a doctorate in audiology. She has an extensive working experience and possesses an exceptional set of skills after working at Hear USA and Ear Nose and Throat Associates of New York.
About Dr Zhanneta Shapiro
Dr Zhanneta Shapiro received her Masters of Science from Brooklyn College in 2005 and completed her Doctorate of Audiology from Florida University in May 2008. Her graduate training was in various hospitals in the tri-state area and a residency period completed at Ear Nose and Throat Associates of New York. [ Learn More ]
