In the United States, 37.5 million people, or 15% of adults over the age of 18, report having trouble hearing.
Also, at age 65, 1 out of 3 people have a hearing loss.
Hearing loss is the 3rd most common health problem in the United States, and it can affect the quality of your relationships and life. There are 2 main types of hearing loss, depending on where the problem lies:
- Conductive hearing – when hearing loss is due to problems with the eardrum, ear canal, or middle ear and its little bones (the incus, malleus, and stapes).
- Sensorineural hearing loss – it is the most common type of permanent hearing loss and it occurs due to damage to the cochlea (the inner ear).
Ear infections (or otitis media) may be more frequent in children than in adults, but grown-ups are still inclined to otitis media. Ear infections can be acute or chronic.
Chronic ear infections do not clear up, however, they recur many times. Acute ear infections are painful but short in duration.
In 2006, around 9 million children reported having otitis media. Medical spending to treat otitis media totaled $2.8 billion.
Tinnitus, also known as “ringing in the ears,” involves the sensation of hearing sound when no external sound is present. The noise is usually described as buzzing, ringing, rushing, or clicking.
It may lead to difficulty with concentration, insomnia, irritability, poor school or work performance, depression, fatigue, and anxiety.
Hearing Loss – Spiritual Causes and Meaning
These symptoms usually occur at an advanced age.
The affected individuals isolate themselves more than before and become more and more rigid and inflexible and have less desire to listen.
Although these manifestations are more common in elderly people, this is not an absolute rule.
Thus, problems that have not been resolved over the course of life are now resurfacing.
Try to keep an open and receptive mind as you get old and learn from your experiences. Also, listen to your inner voice and be open to what life has in store for you.
Ear Infection (Otitis Media) – Spiritual Causes and Meaning
As with all inflammatory processes, it’s all about a dissatisfaction caused by an undissolved conflict.
What is it that you want to hear? In what part of your life do you lack humility? Such traumas frequently occur during childhood.
We become aware of the fact that we unconsciously attract situations and people who teach us exactly the things we refuse to learn by ourselves.
Listen and learn, every life experience has something to teach us. Also, listen to your inner voice and follow its advice.
This will no longer require you to get sick.
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Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ears) – Spiritual Causes and Meaning
It often occurs following an event that caused an emotional shock or when the stress level has increased greatly (for instance, after a divorce, a job loss, or an accident).
It may also be caused by the inability to concentrate, the inability to listen to the inner voice, stubbornness, problems in the flow of Prana, dysfunctions in the activity of the kidneys.
Right ear ringing may also mean gossip or bad news, while left ear ringing announces good news.
If these sounds are accompanied by a tingling sensation in the ears, it may mean that your spirit guides want you to focus more on your spiritual practice.
In addition, ringing in the ears may be a warning from your subconscious mind that the last time you heard this, your life was in danger.
Tip – open your inner ear more so that you become more capable of listening to your inner voice. You can also try to listen in a more conscious way to the sounds of nature in order to enjoy more peace and quiet.
Prevention
Avoid Too Much Noise
Don’t have your radio, television, or music on too loud. This is especially crucial if you have children and toddlers in the house, due to the fact that their ears are more sensitive than an adult’s.
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Protect Your Ears
If you know you are going to be around noise over 85 decibels (for instance – gunfire, industrial workplace noises, loud music that is louder than 85 dB), the best solution is to wear ear protection.
The best method to protect your hearing from these types of sounds is to wear earmuffs or earplugs for an extended period of time.
Avoid Caffeine and Tobacco
The use of these substances may lead to tinnitus by reducing blood flow to the structures of the ear.
READ MORE: Tobacco Addiction – Spiritual meaning
Breastfeeding
According to a study at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, breast milk can play a major role in preventing ear infections by passing along immunities and helping the tube in the inner ear function properly.
Use Headphones Wisely
Presently, 20 percent of teenagers have some form of hearing loss, that doctors attribute to the ever-increasing use of earbuds and headphones.
Rest Your Ears
After being in a loud environment (like a concert), give your hearing a quiet rest for at least 24 hours, or more.
Images credit – Shutterstock
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References http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Hearing-impairment/Pages/Prevention.aspx http://www.parents.com/health/ear-infection/ear-infection-prevention-tips/
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As a founder and chief author at InsightState.com, Bulgarea Candin helps readers on their spiritual journeys. His writings are designed to inspire creativity and personal growth, guiding readers on their journey to a more fulfilled and enlightened life.