Hearing loss can be caused by different factors, such as damage to the inner ear, build-up of earwax, ruptured eardrum, infections and sometimes tumours. The cause of hearing loss will differ based on the type of hearing loss you are experiencing.
Conductive hearing loss | Sensorineural hearing loss |
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occurs when sound waves cannot be transmitted properly from the external environment to the cochlea. The problem could lie in the external ear canal, eardrum, middle ear bones or middle ear space. This can sometimes be caused by blockage in the ear, such as earwax build-up, fluid, or damage to the eardrum. There is treatment and sometimes surgery that can be performed to resolve the problem and restore hearing. Causes
| occurs when there is damage to the hearing organ (cochlea) or hearing nerve (auditory nerve). This type hearing loss is usually permanent. Causes
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Patients can also experience mixed hearing loss, which is a combination of the two.
Tinnitus is a ringing heard in one, or both, of the ears and can be loud or soft. This can be an early sign of hearing loss, commonly seen in older people. Tinnitus is a symptom; and not a problem in itself – it can be a symptom of hearing loss, or several other health problems such as high blood pressure, allergies, or reaction to certain medication.
If you are experiencing the following symptoms, you should consult a doctor
Loud noises are one of the main causes of hearing loss. Exposure to noise from machinery, loud music, etc. can cause significant damage over time and result in permanent hearing loss. It can also contribute to tinnitus. Noise-related hearing loss is preventable. Take precautions and wear protective equipment if you are in environments with loud noises. Refrain from turning music or audio equipment such as speakers, headphones, and televisions to high volumes.
A punctured eardrum can also result in hearing loss. Avoid putting objects such as cotton swabs in your ear. Speak to your doctor if you are experiencing pain or have fluid draining from your ear.
Treatment options include:
Medical treatment can be an option depending on the underlying cause of hearing loss. Treatment can range from medications to surgical options. Hearing loss due to blockage in the ear canal (earwax, foreign body) can be resolved through removal by an ENT surgeon.
If you have an external ear infection, antibiotics will be prescribed. If the eardrum is perforated surgery may be necessary, if the perforation persists for more than 3 months, or if there is discharge. In the event of hearing loss due to old age, there is no treatment available. Your doctor will advise you on how to protect your hearing, or the option of hearing aids if necessary
Hearing aids are electronic devices that amplify sounds into your ear canal. They are useful for both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. These hearing aids can in size from very small (completely-in-the-canal) to the traditional behind-the-ear hearing aids.
Middle Ear Implants | Cochlear Implants |
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Middle Ear implants are available for patients for whom hearing aids have proven ineffective. These implants cannot be used for those with sensorineural or conductive hearing loss. How the middle ear implant works is by attaching a transducer to the ossicles (bones in the middle ear) or part of the bone around the cochlea (bone of the inner ear), vibrating the middle ear structures and/or inner to amplify the transmission of sound. | Cochlear implants for patients with moderate to severe sensorineural hearing loss. The implant consists of an electrode inserted into the cochlea to stimulate the nerve endings and bypass any problems that may exist. These implants can be used in children or adults. |