Hearing loss may seem like a part of aging, but it does not have to be.
Approximately thirty six million adults suffer from some degree of hearing loss according to the National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders. Some loss of hearing can be expected as we age, but a single exposure to a loud noise, or regular exposure to loud sounds can lead to progressive hearing loss.
Fact 1: A variety of surgical and medicinal treatments can be used to correct some hearing loss depending on the patient’s response.
Fact 2: All ages, from children to adults, can experience hearing loss. Deformities of inner ear development can cause hearing loss in both children and teens. Physical damage or trauma can damage anyone’s hearing.
Fact 3: Ear infections, colds, and allergies can cause hearing loss. Partial or full recovery is possible with medical intervention.
Fact 4: There are three primary types of hearing loss: Conductive, Mixed, and Sensorineural. Conductive hearing loss is caused by physical damage to the inner ear or ear canal. Nerve damage to the inner ear leads to Sensorineural hearing loss. Mixed hearing loss is a combination of the effects of both Conductive and Sensorineural conditions.
Fact 5: Exposure to a single loud noise or repeated loud sounds over time, can lead to Sensorineural hearing loss.
Fact 6: Viruses can also lead to hearing loss. Sudden Sensorineural hearing loss is caused by a viral infection.
Fact 7: Diseases like Meniere’s disease can lead to hearing loss. Diseases that damage the central nervous system can cause both hearing loss and deafness. Children using headphones and ear buds should be tested for hearing loss. Hearing loss may be corrected in some cases if the cause is removed.
Fact 8: Foreign bodies, excessive earwax, and ear trauma can be helped by surgery in some cases. It is advisable to have a specialist evaluate if surgery is recommended to correct hearing loss.
Fact 9: A doctor specializing in hearing loss can also recommend medications to address allergies and ear infections which may cause hearing loss.
Fact 10: Accurate diagnosis by an ear doctor is crucial to the possible repair of hearing loss. Hearing tests and regular ear doctor examinations can determine if hearing loss is age related or due to other causes. Early detection and treatment of problems can possibly prevent future hearing loss.