Tag Archives: Deafness

Straight, No Chaser: Can You Hear Me Now? Let's Discuss Hearing Loss

Head/Eyes/Ears/Nose/Throat, General Health and Wellness, , , , ,

hearing_loss1

If you think about it, it shouldn’t surprise you to hear that hearing loss is the third most common ailment. Pump up the volume could be the motto for a period of our lives lasting about 20 years. Let’s review causes, how you might know you’re suffering from hearing loss and what you can do about it. Joining the conversation is my friend and colleague Greg Keeney, audiologist and owner of Affordable Hearing Aids in Texas.

hearing_types

There are two main types of hearing loss. The first is called conductive hearing loss. There’s a problem transmitting sound because something is preventing the ear bones from relaying sound or the eardrum from vibrating in response. This can be due to several considerations.

  • An ear infection can produce fluid in the ear, interfering with the process.
  • An ear infections can scar the eardrum.
  • Wax buildup or a foreign body in the ear can block sound transmission.
  • Infections, cotton swabs, increased pressure from scuba diving or other items can rupture the eardrum.

Noise-Induced-Hearing-Loss1

Another type of hearing loss (and by far the most common type) is called sensorineural hearing loss. It is due to damage to the nerves that detect sound, and it is more likely to be irreversible. There are multiple causes of this condition as well.

  • Age
  • The loud noise we are exposed to at work and play (concerts, sporting events, fireworks, gun shots, etc.)
  • Medications (certain diuretics, chemotherapy regimens, antibiotic classes known as aminoglycosides and large doses of aspirin)
  • Infections (measles, meningitis, mumps, scarlet fever)
  • Medical conditions (e.g., acoustic neuroma, Meniere’s disease)

Unfortunately, hearing deficits can also be present at birth due to genetic conditions, birth defects, and infections transmitted from mother to baby (such as herpes, rubella and toxoplasmosis).
Symptoms are pretty straightforward. You’ll know it when you don’t hear it. There are some additional considerations that suggest may be developing hearing loss.

  • In those instances when your nerves are damaged and conducting sound erratically, certain sounds may seem excessively loud.
  • Your relative inability to hear will result in difficulty following conversations or distinguishing sounds when in noisy areas or if background noise is present.
  • Voices may sounds slurred, muffled or mumbled, and women’s voices will be harder to understand than men’s.
  • An interesting thing about your ears is that they aren’t just for hearing; they’re also your balance centers. It is common to see those suffering from ear damage also suffering from disturbances in balance.

Check tomorrow’s post for tips on how to prevent and treat hearing loss as well as a discussion of hearing aid options.
Feel free to contact your SMA expert consultant with any questions you have on this topic.
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Straight, No Chaser: Can You Hear Me Now? Checking Hearing Loss

Head/Eyes/Ears/Nose/Throat, Health Prevention, , , , , , ,

noise_thermometer
We live in a loud world. Take a listen around. You’re likely in the midst of multiple simultaneous noises, many of which (if you actually think about it) sound harsh and annoying. However, we’re pretty good at consciously ignoring background noise, even though the sounds are affecting our hearing apparatus. After years of traffic, screaming, loud music and other assorted sounds, our hearing invariably starts to suffer.
I’ll discuss the causes, mechanisms and prevention of hearing loss another day, but for now, I want to point you toward getting your hearing checked before you find yourself needing a hearing aid. Being cognizant of where your hearing stands may prompt you to make some early alterations that can save your hearing over the longer term.
Signs and symptoms of hearing loss may include the following:

  • Previously normal sounds, including speech, become muffled.
  • The ability to distinguish sounds in the midst of background noise becomes harder.
  • You need others to speak more slowly, clearly and loudly
  • You need to turn up the volume of the television, radio and other devices to which you’re listening.
  • You avoid socializing and find yourself withdrawing from conversations.

Our hearing anatomy is actually quite fascinating and complex, and there’s a lot that could be going on. It’s time to get an evaluation if you’re suffering from the above, or your daily activities are being interfered with by hearing difficulties. While you’re at it, check out the noise thermometer, and see how easy it is for a few common sounds to cause some real damage.