Hearing loss – Amblyacousia

Hearing Loss

What is hearing loss?

Hearing loss is a decreased ability to hear sounds.

Causes of hearing loss

There are two main categories of hearing loss:

• Konduktyvnaya – hearing loss caused by the inability of the sound to reach the inner ear;
• Sensorineural – hearing loss caused by damage:
  • Snails – the main organ in the ear, responsible for the formation of sound;
  • 8-th cranial nerves – the main nerve, transmitting converted into electrical sound signals to the brain.

Causes of conductive hearing loss may include:

• Blockage channel earwax;
• Accumulation of fluid in the middle ear;
• Ear Infections;
• The perforation of the eardrum;
• Changes in bone structure of the ear – state, It called otosclerosis;
• Congenital anomalies, causing the complete closure of the external auditory meatus;
• Tumor.

Causes of sensorineural hearing loss, most people do not know. Several reasons may include:

• Otosclerosis, influencing the inner ear;
• Vascular disease, that affect the blood flow in the ear;
• Brain surgery, in the ear, or viral infection – can cause damage to the inner ear;
• Trauma.

Risk factors for hearing loss

Factors, that may increase the risk of hearing loss include:

• Advanced age;
• Family history of hearing loss;
• Exposure to excessive noise;
• Effects of drugs, antibiotics such as, Diuretic, heart medications;
• Some diseases:
  • Cardiovascular disease;
  • Viral infections;
  • Multiple sclerosis;
  • Meniere's Disease;
  • Repeated or bad ear infection cured;
• The absence of all recommended vaccinations;
• Obesity.

Symptoms of hearing loss

Hearing loss can cause a decrease in the ability to hear:

• Alt;
• Low sound;
• All sounds;
• This person, in the presence of background noise.

Hearing loss can also cause:

• Dizziness;
• Tinnitus;
• Problems with balance;
• In children, hearing loss may hinder their ability to learn speech.

Hearing loss – when to see a doctor?

Consult your doctor, if you notice hearing loss. Also, you need to see a doctor, if you have:

• Earache;
• Dizziness;
• Ringing or other sounds in the ear;
• Problems with speech or balance.

Diagnosis of hearing loss

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination. Tests may include:

• Weber test or test Rinne – to distinguish conductive from sensorineural hearing loss;
• Audiometria – direct test of hearing;
• Timpanometriâ – test measures the pressure in the middle ear;
• CT or MRI – They may be assigned, to check the ear for the presence of a tumor or bone injury;
• Auditory brainstem evoked potentials – measures the electrical response of the brain to sound;
• Electrocochleography – Checking the cochlea and the auditory nerve.

Treatment of hearing loss

If hearing loss is caused by other diseases, their treatment will help get rid of the problem. Other treatments include hearing loss:

Non-surgical treatment of hearing loss

Non-surgical treatments are not invasive and can help improve hearing. These include:

• Removing earwax;
• Changing or stopping medication, which adversely affect the ears;
• Using hearing aids.

The operation for the treatment of hearing loss

Surgery may be indicated in some cases, conductive hearing loss, for example in the presence of otosclerosis, ear infections, damaged auditory ossicles.

A cochlear implant directly stimulates part of the brain, responsible for hearing, and uses a tiny microprocessor for processing the input sound.

Improving communication skills for people with hearing loss

If you have a hearing loss, Some changes can help maximize your ability to hear. Follow these guidelines when talking to other people:

• Look at a person's face, with whom you are talking. This will allow you to see his face and to follow the movement of the lips;
• Ask other people to speak loudly and clearly;
• Turn off the power of the background noise, such, as a TV or radio;
• In public places, choose a place, to stay away from the hustle;
• Work with a special trainer, to learn how to read lips.

Preventing hearing loss

To help prevent hearing loss:

• If you smoke, Consult with your doctor about, how to quit smoking;
• Promptly treat ear infections;
• Make all the necessary vaccinations;
• Contact your doctor at the first sign of hearing loss;
• Avoid exposure to excessive noise;
• Wear appropriate hearing protection when working in a noisy equipment.