Most of the times hearing loss is age-related, but sometimes some other factors cause it too and either those factors can be avoided or hearing loss can be treated. Untreated hearing loss is often associated to depression, unemployment or low earning, lower quality of life, high blood pressure, higher expenditure on other health problems and even high risk of dangerous falls and trips. Whatever may be the cause, hearing loss can cause far-reaching effects to you and your dear ones.
Fortunately, hearing loss has been very well studied and understood, and there is a lot of hope and help available, e.g. at otorrinoenmonterrey. By proper researching, you can take first steps towards getting the right help.
Symptoms
Hearing loss symptoms can differ in different individuals based on the kind of hearing loss, its cause and degree.
In general, the following symptoms are experienced:
- Problem in understanding the routine conversation
- Ability to hear but inability to understand
- Need others to repeat what they say
- Need the sound of TV or radio to be higher than normal
- Avoidance of social meetings which were once enjoyable
- Increasing difficulty in communication in noisy places like family gatherings, restaurants or group meetings
- Tinnitus, buzzing and/or ringing sounds in ears
Types of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is classified into three main types
- Sensorineural Hearing Loss: This is the most common type. It’s permanent and results from damage to the auditory nerve or the hair-like tiny cells in the inner ear. The auditory nerve holds important information about pitch, loudness and meaning of sounds to the brain. This type of hearing loss can usually lead to difficulty in understanding speech or sound even if it’s loud enough to hear.
- Conductive Hearing Loss: This results from a mechanical problem in the middle or outer ear or a blockage in the ear canal like ear wax that prevents sound from passing to the eardrum. It may be permanent but more often it’s temporary and can be treated.
- Mixed Hearing Loss: This occurs when factors for both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss are present.
Treatments
Finding the right treatment for hearing loss is a task to be done together by you and your doctor. The most common treatment for sensorineural hearing loss is properly fitting hearing aids. Some types of hearing loss can be medically or surgically rectified while others cannot.
Prevention
Though hearing loss is common, that doesn’t mean that it cannot be prevented. In fact, it can be prevented or its worsening can be avoided. The most common cause of hearing loss is noisy conditions and you can stay away from them, limit exposure to them or wear hearing protection to prevent hearing loss.
All in all, you don’t have to be disappointed if you are experiencing hearing loss. Get it treated on time and you can enjoy life as before.