Causes and Symptoms of Hearing Loss

We are able to communicate with others, listen to songs and enjoy the movies because of our hearing capacity. While others are hearing impaired right from birth, others lose their capacity to hear following an illness or other reasons. Hearing loss can be partial or total in nature. Hearing loss can be a problem that affects your lifestyle. The good news is that you can get proper treatment of this problem as there have been medical advancements to cure hearing loss.

Hearing losses are of two types namely Sensorineutral and conducive hearing loss. Sensorineural hearing loss occurs due to nerve cells damage and its capacity to sense sound waves. This type of hearing loss is caused by various factors such as certain types of antibiotics, steroid medications, vascular diseases and head trauma. Conductive hearing loss on the other hand is caused by factors that impede the movement of sound waves in the ear. Blast injury, otitis media and dislocated ossicle can lead to this type of hearing loss.

In adults, hearing loss is caused by factors such as diseases like meniere’s disease, ostosclerosis, trauma, noise pollution and aging. In the case of children, the main factor that can cause hearing loss is otitis media. Other than this, prematurity, genetic factors, intrauterine infections, maternal diabetes etc can also cause this condition in children.

What are the symptoms of hearing loss?

You can lose your hearing capacity either gradually or suddenly. Trauma and problems in blood circulation can lead to sudden hearing loss. This problem can result in one or both the ears. Ear canal obstruction, infection and trauma can cause ear pain.

You can evaluate hearing ability by testing your ears frequently or following some symptoms. By using an octoscope, an ENT specialist will check the tympanic membrane and ear canal. So also the nasopharynx, nose and upper respiratory tract will be checked by the doctor thoroughly before suggesting treatment.

Remedies

Ear solutions or forceps are used to treat hearing loss based on the symptoms. Ear solution is very effective to remove wax or foreign bodies that may be found to block the ear canal. Doctors also prescribe antibiotics for severe infection. Medicines can solve the problem if some diseases have led to such an occurrence. You can help to prevent hearing loss by avoiding exposure to blasting music or sounds.