|
|
Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment of Hearing Loss
All of our five senses are important, including our sense of hearing. It aids us by alerting us to the sounds of danger, happiness and sadness. For example, you hear the sound of screeching tires, your ears and sense of hearing allow you the ability to determine which direction the sound is coming from, thus allowing you to move to safety quickly. However, if you suffered from hearing loss, you would never hear those screeching tires and therefore not be able to get out of the way, resulting in injury or worse.
Hearing impairment is the result from damage to the auditory system of the ear. The ear is composed of external, middle, and inner ear chambers. The chambers in the ear contain the structures that help us to hear. Hearing loss presents itself when these structures are damaged by illness, trauma, or infections.
There are four types of hearing loss which include conductive, sensorineural, mixed, and central hearing loss. Oftentimes, hearing loss can be mistaken for other chronic ailments such as depression or dementia and is common among the older generation. The reason for hearing loss due to age is the loss of hair cells in the cochlea. These hair cells are vital for the ability to hear. Once they are destroyed, the body can not replace them making hearing loss a permanent condition.
Signs And Symptoms:
Constantly needing conversation to be repeated Extreme volume on the TV, radio, or other electronic device Depression Withdrawal from social activities Unable to understand speech No response to sound
Unfortunately, hearing loss in adults is not recognized until extensive damage to the auditory system has already been done. Furthermore, hearing loss won't be detected until a visit to the doctor for a completely different ailment brings it to light. Upon discovering the hearing loss, the physician will then need to determine the type, degree and location of the auditory damage. Most often, hearing loss in adults can be attributed to aging (presbycusis), tumors, and viral infections such as the flu or herpes.
Hearing loss in children is most commonly caused by viral or bacterial infections such as mumps, rubella, meningitis, and multiple sclerosis.
Diagnosis and treatment:
A thorough medical examination and diagnostic testing is used to determine if there is a loss of hearing. Other causes of hearing loss must be ruled out as well.
Methods of treatment for hearing loss include surgical intervention, hearing aids and medications. However, prevention is the number one tool that can save your precious gift. If for example you are exposed to excessive noise through a job in a factory, protecting your ears is the best defense against the loss of your hearing.
|
 |
Please Rate: |
|
Rating: |
 Processing ... |
(Average: Not rated) |
| Views: | 22 | |
|
| More Articles from Diseases and Conditions | | |
| Top Articles in Diseases and Conditions | | |
|
