Hearing Loss
There are two types of hearing loss, conductive and sensorineural, or nerve hearing loss.
Careful evaluation of the hearing can determine the type of hearing loss. Once correctly
identified a specific treatment can be planned.
A conductive hearing loss occurs when sound is not effectively transmitted
to the inner ear by the ear canal, eardrum or small bones of hearing. This can be caused
by ear infections or fluid in the ear, fixation or destruction of the small bones of hearing,
or congenital deformities of the ear. In many cases hearing can be restored with surgery.
A nerve or sensorineural hearing loss can be caused by aging, noise, infections,
tumors, congenital ear problems, and occasionally medications. This can cause problem socially,
at work, and at home. Careful evaluation of ones hearing using an audiogram, hearing test,
and if necessary other test can determine the type and severity of the hearing loss. Treatment
recommendations are based on the degree of the hearing loss and the individual patient's needs.
This may range from improved listening and communication skills to hearing aids and assistive
devices to cochlear implants.
Sudden hearing loss develops over a few minutes or days and should be
evaluated as soon as possible. Delays in starting treatment can affect the chances for hearing
recovery.
Fluctuation in hearing or rapidly progressive loss of
hearing may be a reaction in the inner ear to another medical problem. Evaluation and early
treatment may help to restore or stabilize hearing.
Tinnitus or ringing in the ear is frequently associated
with hearing loss. Improvement in hearing will often reduce the tinnitus. Tinnitus may be
associated with other certain disorders which can affect hearing and balance. Treatment of
these specific problems will often reduce the tinnitus and improve hearing. Tinnitus is often
aggravated by stress, depression, pain, problems sleeping and occasionally medications. Determining
the sources of these contributing factors and reducing them whenever possible may also help
to alleviate the tinnitus. While tinnitus cannot be totally cured there are various treatments
and some medications that will often reduce its severity.
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