From earaches or situations that cause minor and temporary hearing loss to normal health issues that come with aging, there are some medical conditions that touch everyone in some way or another. Whether you know a person who sneezes every spring or carries a rescue inhaler for asthma, we're fortunate enough to live in a time where these common health issues are generally easily treatable. If you're curious to learn more about four common medical conditions and the first steps you need to take to address them, read on. 

1. Hearing Loss

Many people might be surprised to learn that most people suffer from some level of temporary and minor hearing loss at one point in their life. Whether it's loud noises at a rock concert, a sinus infection, or something else that triggers it, most people can relate to having experienced at least some type of hearing loss but later returning to normal hearing. For many, this has to lead to a hearing loss test to rule out anything more serious. For most people, an ear infection in the inner ear clears up in a matter of a few weeks, and hearing loss due to a noisy environment comes back after the circumstances change. For others, more serious or deeper hearing loss issues that originate in the inner ear or cochlea can lead to cochlear implants, ear canal surgeries, hearing aids, and more.

If you think you've experienced some sort of hearing loss and are worried about it because you're having difficulties communicating or with speech or balance, the best way to find out what's going on is to ask for a hearing test. There's a big difference between annoying background noise and chronic ringing in your ears, for example. Your doctor can refer you to an audiologist or other specialist if they think it's potentially serious, too. In most cases, though, hearing loss is only minor and full hearing will come back soon or at least not be enough to bother you in the long haul.

 2. Memory Loss and Mobility Challenges

Hearing loss does come as a normal sign of aging. Doctors refer to this as age-related hearing loss and it can generally be treated with a hearing aid or other assistive equipment. Like slips of memory, joint pain, and trouble with mobility, there are many common medical conditions that simply come with a life well-lived.

Maybe a few years back your biggest concern was looking into retirements and Googling 'corporate bonds,' 'cash flow generators,' 'successful growth portfolio tips and tricks,' or 'investments to make now for saving money in the long-term.' Now, your bigger issue could be wondering if it's a good idea to make an appointment for a physical. Whether it's the beginnings of menopause or trouble with moving as fast, it's normal to worry about your health as you get older. Like it or not, we all slow down and begin to forget things more often. Older adults often struggle with mobility, hearing, and vision, for example. While these types of medical conditions a not short-term and will get worse with the years, it never hurts to ask for a physical or even to take an online hearing test now. In the end, the faster you address an aging-related health problem with a doctor, the better shot you have of staving it off for now and maintaining a better quality of life.

3. Allergies

It doesn't matter how old you are, if you have a retirement account, or who your health care provider is. We're all equally likely to be or know someone who suffers from allergies. Often seasonal, allergies can be to everything from dander and pollutants or flowers in the air to foods or chemicals. If you or someone you love suffers from allergies, it's an important thing to understand triggers. If you know, for example, that your daughter has allergy issues in the fall, you can get her on preventative medication and reduce her overall symptoms. The best option for identifying triggers is to ask for an allergy test. A good place to start is your doctor's office.

4. Asthma

Much like allergies, asthma is another common medical condition many people suffer from. The rule of thumb for an asthmatic is to always carry a rescue inhaler with them. While this common medical condition can be scary, the truth is that someone who has had asthma for a while has a certain comfort level that will generally help them to know when they need help.

In the long run, no matter what medical conditions you or your loved ones suffer from, the good news is that most common conditions are treatable in developed countries like the U.S. A great place to be in is one where you're knowledgeable about your condition. Don't be afraid to ask questions about your health, none are ever stupid no matter how common they are.