Most Common Causes of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is the condition in which an individual fails to hear any sounds. People of all ages may suffer from hearing loss, however, this condition is more common among adults than in children. With early diagnosis and proper treatment, one can significantly improve their hearing abilities. Here, in this post, we will discuss the most common causes of hearing loss and how to effectively treat them. Read on for further knowledge.
Types of Hearing Loss
There are basically three types of hearing loss.
Conductive Hearing Loss:
This type of hearing loss occurs due to damage to the outer ear such as the eardrum, ear canal, or middle ear bones. A person suffering from this type of hearing loss can treat it by applying medication or undergoing surgery.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss:
This type of hearing loss occurs due to problems with the inner ear, auditory nerve, or higher auditory centers in the brainstem. This type of hearing loss is most common among individuals.
Mixed Hearing Loss
This type of hearing loss combines the signs of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.
Primary Causes of Hearing Loss
An individual can suffer from hearing loss because of multiple reasons. The primary ones are as follows.
Earwax Blockage
One of the most common causes of hearing loss is earwax blockage.Any blockage in the ear canal prevents transmission of sound and leads to hearing loss.
Exposure to Noises
Another common cause of hearing loss is exposure to noises. Loud noises can cause significant damage to the delicate sensory cells in the cochlear. Higher noise level and more prolonged exposure to noise can cause greater damage to the ears.
Aging
Aging can naturally affect the hearing abilities of a person. As a person starts aging, they may experience gradual hearing loss known as presbycusis. This condition makes it difficult to hear what other people are saying and it also makes an individual intolerant to loud noises.
Head Injury
A severe injury to the head can also lead to hearing loss in a person. A traumatic brain injury, a hole in the eardrum, or a fractured skull can cause damage to the inner ear, leading a person to suffer from hearing loss.
Ear Infections
Another common cause of hearing loss is ear infection. Infections such as meningitis, mumps, measles, scarlet fever, etc. can cause damage to the ears’ nerves, causing hearing loss in a person.
Genetic Conditions
One can also lose their hearing abilities due to genetic conditions. However, it does not imply that a person has to be born deaf. Hearing loss can occur at a later date. Genetic conditions such as Ushers Syndrome can make a person lose both their vision and hearing.
Treatment of Hearing Loss
If you or a dear one is diagnosed with hearing loss, it is essential that you opt for treating the condition without delay. Here are some of the common treatments for hearing loss that can improve your quality of life.
Removal of Earwax
One of the most effective ways to treat hearing loss is removal of earwax. An experienced healthcare professional will efficiently remove the earwax using a suction or a small tool that has a loop at the end.
Surgery of Your Ear
Another way to treat a hearing loss issue is to opt for surgery. This treatment method is used for specific conditions such as repeated infections that cause fluid in the ear. While conducting a surgery of your ear, your hearing specialist may put small tubes to help your ears drain.
Use of Hearing Aids
Use of hearing aids is one of the most effective treatments of hearing loss. If you are suffering from hearing loss due to damage to the inner ear, a quality hearing aid can be significantly helpful. Your audiologist will help you choose the right type of hearing aid, depending upon your specific condition. The Best hearing aid shop in Kolkata offers a wide range of top quality hearing aids to fit your unique requirements.
Cochlear Implants
If a regular hearing aid fails to improve your hearing abilities, you may have to opt for Cochlear implants. This is a treatment process in which the implant goes around the inner ear that has a problem and stimulates the hearing ear.
Conclusion
Hearing loss is a condition that prevents you from living a healthy life and minimizes your self-esteem. If you are experiencing hearing loss, make sure to visit your nearest audiologist at the earliest and work on treating your condition.
With immediate diagnosis and the right treatment method, you can significantly recover from your condition and start living a happy, healthy life.
