Hearing loss is a condition in which a person is completely or partially unable to hear sounds with their one or both ears. Usually, hearing loss develops over time, however, under circumstances, people of any age, including toddlers and infants can suffer from
hearing difficulties. Hearing loss affects a person’s everyday life in an adverse manner and prevents them from having a healthy social life.
With early diagnosis and proper treatment, a person can combat hearing loss issues and get back to living a happy and healthy life. Here, in this post, we will discuss the primary types, symptoms, and causes of hearing loss. We will also discuss how to treat this condition in the right way. Read on to learn more.
Types of Hearing Loss
There are basically three types of hearing loss.
Conductive Hearing Loss
This type of hearing loss occurs when sounds fail to travel from the outer ear to the eardrum and the middle of the ear. When a person suffers from this type of hearing loss, they may find it difficult to hear soft or muffled sounds. This type of hearing loss is not permanent and with proper treatment, it can be cured.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
This type of hearing loss occurs when there is damage to inner ear structures or in the nerve pathways to the brain. This type of hearing loss is permanent. When a person suffers from sensorineural hearing loss, it may make even distinct, normal, or loud sounds muffled or unclear to them.
Mixed Hearing Loss
This condition occurs when a person suffers from conductive hearing loss and sensorineural hearing loss at the same time.
Symptoms of Hearing Loss
Usually, hearing loss occurs over time. At first, a patient may not notice the changes in their hearing abilities. However, you should visit a qualified audiologist if you come across the following symptoms.
- Your poor hearing abilities interfere with your daily life
- Your hearing loss becomes worse or remains constant
- You are experiencing severe hearing loss in one ear
- There is sudden hearing loss
- You are experiencing ringing in the ear
- There is severe hearing loss
- You are experiencing ear pain along with hearing loss
- You are experiencing headaches, numbness, and weaknesses
These conditions may come associated with life-threatening conditions. If you are experiencing any of them, make sure to visit a qualified hearing specialist at the earliest.
Causes of Hearing
Here are the primary causes that may make you experience hearing loss.
Damage to the Inner Ear
Aging and loud noises can cause damage to the nerve cells in the cochlea that send sound signals to the brain. Damaged nerve cells cannot send electrical signals to the brain well. This situation makes a person suffer from hearing loss.
Build Up of Earwax in the Ears
Another reason that causes hearing loss is buildup of earwax. With gradual accumulation, ear wax can block the ear canal and prevent sound waves from passing through. In such a situation, removal of earwax may help recover from the condition.
Ear Infection or Growth of Unusual Ear Bones
If there is any infection in the outer or middle ear, it can make you suffer from hearing issues. Unusual growth of ear bones or tumors also can lead to hearing loss.
Ruptured Eardrum
Elements such as loud blasts of noise, sudden changes in pressure, poking an ear with a sharp object, or an infection can make your ear burst and suffer from hearing loss.
If you seem to lose your hearing abilities owing to the above mentioned or any other reason, it is essential for you to visit a hearing specialist without delay.
Treatment for Hearing Loss
Different types of hearing loss conditions require different treatment.
Treatment for Conductive Hearing Loss
- Medications such as antibiotics can be used for treating ear infections.
- If you are suffering from hearing issue due to a ruptured eardrum, you may have to undergo surgeries such as tympanoplasty. On the other hand, if the reason behind your hearing loss is due to a tumor, you may have to undergo surgeries such as tympanostomy.
- If your hearing loss is being caused by earwax, remove the earwax carefully with the help of a professional.
- Treatment for Sensorineural Hearing Loss
- Medications such as corticosteroids, are used to reduce the swelling in cochlea hair cells.
- Hearing aids and cochlear implants are effective ways to treat this type of hearing loss.
Treatment for Mixed Hearing Loss
When it comes to treating mixed hearing loss, treatments may vary on the basis of issues that are affecting your outer, middle, and inner ear.
Conclusion
Hearing loss is a condition that prevents a person from living a happy and healthy family and social life. If you are experiencing any hearing loss issues, you should get it thoroughly diagnosed and treated immediately to prevent it from developing further.
If you are looking to receive the best hearing loss treatment in Kolkata, Happy Ears is the name to trust. Connect with us for any information or for an appointment.
