Hearing Loss - Causes and Symptoms

Hearing Loss - Causes and Symptoms

Due to our hearing capacity we are able to listen to songs, communicate with others, enjoy the movies etc. Some people have hearing impairment right from birth while others lose their hearing ability due to some reasons. Hearing issues can occur due to various reasons. There may be partial or total hearing problems. This can affect your health as well as your lifestyle. It will lead to immense suffering as you will find it very difficult to communicate with others and understand what others say. Hence you must get proper treatment to regain your hearing if possible.

Types of hearing issues

There are two types of hearing related problems namely conductive hearing loss and sensorineural hearing loss. Physical problems that obstruct the movement of sound wave in the ear cause conductive hearing loss. Dislocated ossicle, blast injury, and otitis media can also lead to this type of hearing issues. Sensorineural hearing loss is caused due to damage of nerve cells of the ear which sense sound waves. Non steroidal anti inflammatory medications, certain types of antibiotics, head trauma and vascular diseases can also cause this type of hearing loss.

For adults, various reasons can cause hearing symptoms in adults such as infections or diseases like otosclerosis, meniere's disease, noise pollution, trauma and aging.

In children, Otitis media is the main reason for hearing loss in infants and children. Genetic factors, prematurity, maternal diabetes, intrauterine infections such as rubella, herpes simplex can also cause auditory issues in children.

Symptoms of hearing loss

You can lose your capacity to hear suddenly or gradually. Problems in blood circulation or trauma can cause sudden your hearing to be damaged. Hearing loss can occur with one ear or both. Ear pain is related to trauma, infections and ear canal obstruction.

You can check for hearing loss by testing every ear to evaluate hearing ability. The doctor checks the ear canal and tympanic membrane by using an otoscope. Even the nose, nasopharynx and upper respiratory tract are checked by the doctor.

Treatment for hearing loss

Forceps or solutions are used to remove foreign bodies or wax blocking the ear canal. Antibiotics are prescribed for ear infections. If certain infections or diseases have caused the hearing issues, then appropriate medications are prescribed. Avoiding exposure to loud sounds can also help prevent hearing loss to a certain extent.

Disclaimer: The contents of this article are for informational purposes only. We aim to be as accurate as possible, but there may be some unintentional omission of information. The content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on within this article.