HEARING IMPAIRMENT or LOSS

(Deafness)

 Basic information

description

• Hearing loss may be partial or total. It may develop gradually or suddenly. It may occur at any age. There are two types of hearing loss:
  • Conductive loss. It is caused by anything that blocks the conduction of sound from the outer ear through to the inner ear.
  • Sensorineural loss. It results from damage to the inner ear such as to the auditory nerve or hair cells of the cochlea. This type includes the gradual hearing loss that occurs with aging called presbycusis.
  • A mixed loss involves both types of hearing loss.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• In an infant, there is a lack of response to sounds.
• Trouble understanding speech. Misunderstanding others and responding inappropriately.
• Difficulty in hearing a phone ring, or problem hearing over the phone.
• Difficulty hearing in a group of people or when there is background noise.
• Avoiding social activities (may feel embarrassed).
• Turning up the volume of the radio or television.
• Asking others to repeat themselves.
• Ringing in the ears, dizziness, or pain.

causes

Hearing loss occurs when any part of the hearing system is unable to function. A wide variety of conditions can cause hearing loss. Sometimes, no cause is found.

risk increases with

• Conductive:
  • Middle ear infection (otitis media).
  • Collection of fluid in middle ear (glue ear).
  • Blockage of the outer ear by wax.
  • Damage to the eardrum from infection or injury.
  • Otosclerosis (growth of spongy tissue in the ear).
  • Rarely, rheumatoid arthritis affects joints in the ear.
• Sensorineural:
  • Aging (hearing starts decreasing in the 30s and 40s).
  • Noise exposure (repeated and continuous).
  • Viral infection such as mumps.
  • Ménière's disease.
  • Certain drugs (aspirin, quinine, some antibiotics).
  • Acoustic neuroma (benign tumor).
  • Brain infection, inflammation, or tumor.
  • Multiple sclerosis or a stroke.
  • Congenital (present at birth). A family history of hearing loss is also a risk factor.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Avoid the risk factors where possible. Get medical care for any infections or any symptoms of hearing loss.

expected outcomes

The outcome depends on the cause. The hearing loss may be temporary, treatable, or manageable.

possible complications

• Complete loss of hearing (deafness).
• Language delay or learning problems in a child.
• Emotional, social, and work-associated problems.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider will do an exam of the ears and ask questions about your symptoms. Hearing tests may include tests done with a tuning fork and an audiogram (to measure hearing levels). Other hearing studies and speech testing may be done.
• Treatment will depend on the cause, the extent of hearing loss, and if it is conductive or sensorineural.
• It may involve simple procedures (like earwax removal). Other options include drug therapy, surgical treatments, and sound amplification (e.g., hearing aids).
• You may be referred to a health care provider who specializes in hearing problems.
• Cochlear implant may be an option to help severe deafness. It is a surgically placed electronic device.
• If the hearing loss is related to drugs, changes in dosage or stopping the drug may help.
• To learn more: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, 31 Center Dr., MSC 2320, Bethesda, MD 20892; (800) 241-1044; website: www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing.

medications

Drugs may be prescribed for a diagnosed disorder.

activity

No limits.

diet

No special diet.

 notify our office if

• You suspect you have a hearing loss, especially if you must ask others often to repeat themselves or family members frequently ask you if your hearing is all right.
• A family member shows signs of hearing loss.

Special Notes: