Hearing loss is one of the most common disorders that are suffered throughout the world. The leading experts from the National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders estimate that over thirty six million people currently suffer from some form of hearing loss. There are a lot of unnatural causes of hearing loss, and not all of it is able to be attributed to aging. We will explore ten unique facts about the onset of hearing loss to help provide a more complete picture of the ailment.
Fact 1: There are three different types of hearing loss that have been identified. One type is called Sensorineural, which comes as a result of damage to the nerves of the inner ear. Another type is identified as Conductive hearing loss which is caused by physical damage to the structures responsible for conducting sound. The third type of hearing loss is called Mixed, and has aspects of the other two types of hearing loss.
Fact 2: Sensorineural hearing loss can be caused by a sudden loud noise or being in a loud environment for a long period of time. This is called acoustic trauma, and is common in work areas that have frequent loud noises such as construction.
Fact 3: There are certain viruses which can cause partial or complete hearing loss, usually a form of sensorineural hearing loss.
Fact 4: Some forms of hearing loss are actually causes by diseases. One of the most common types of diseases that affect hearing is called Meniere’s Disease. There are also diseases which are centered in other parts of the body that can cause hearing loss by affect the central nervous system. Parents are encouraged to have their children’s hearing tested after any major disease, and also to make it a part of their checkup routine.
Fact 5: Surgery to fix hearing loss is most successful in the cases where the damage is caused by having a foreign body in the ear canal. The removal process has been streamlined to inflict minimal discomfort on the patient.
Fact 6: Hearing loss is not simply an ailment of older folks. It can strike people of all ages, from children to seniors. Physical trauma, diseases, and malformation can reduce hearing levels throughout one’s life.
Fact 7: There are some hearing losses that can be corrected by surgery or being fitted for a hearing aid. However, not all treatments are successful, and degrees of success vary.
Fact 8: The bodily fluids which are secreted during illnesses such as colds and allergies can cause an obstructive form of conductive hearing loss. While this can be treated in many cases, it can sometimes result in permanent hearing difficulty.
Fact 9: Having a yearly checkup with an ear specialist can help reduce your overall risk of developing some form of hearing loss. Some hearing loss is expected to occur as you age, but sudden or painful occurrences in the ear should be checked immediately.
Fact 10: There are some medications which can help to cure hearing loss. Infections, allergies, and viral infections can each be treated by a different type of prescription.