Hearing Loss : Causes-Symptoms-Diagnosis-Treatment

 What Is Hearing Loss?

A person is alleged to have a hearing disorder if they're powerless to listen furthermore as somebody with traditional hearing, which means hearing thresholds of twenty dB or higher in each ear. It will be mild, moderate, moderately severe, severe or profound, and may have an effect on one or both ears. Major causes of hearing loss embrace inherent or early onset childhood hearing loss, chronic tympanic cavity infections, noise-induced hearing loss, age-related hearing loss, and toxic medication that injures the inner ear.

Hearing Loss

The impacts of hearing loss are broad and can be profound. They include a loss of the ability to speak with others, delayed language development in children, which might result in social isolation, loneliness and frustration, significantly among older folks with hearing disorders. several areas lack enough accommodations for hearing loss, that result in tutorial performance and choices for employment. Kids with hearing loss and deafness in developing countries seldom receive any schooling. WHO estimates that unaddressed hearing loss prices the worldwide economy US$ 980 billion annually thanks to health sector costs (excluding the price of hearing devices), costs of educational support, loss of productivity and social costs. A hearing disorder is once you’re unable to part or completely hear sound in one or each of your ears. A hearing disorder generally happens step by step over time. The National Institute on hearing impairment and alternative Communication Disorders (NIDCD)Trusted supply reports that regarding twenty five p.c of these between the ages of sixty five and seventy four expertise hearing loss.

1. Ear

2. Outer ear

3. Earlobe

4. Eardrum

5. Middle ear

6. Ossicles

7. Inner ear

8. Cochlea

9. Vestibule of the ear

10. Semicircular canals

Medical terms

Hearing loss occurs gradually as you age (presbycusis). Almost half of the people in the United States older than age 65 have some degree of hearing loss.

Hearing loss can be classified into three types: 1. Presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss. This is the most common type of hearing loss and happens when the ear loses its ability to transmit sound waves correctly from the ear to the brain. 2. Acoustic neuroma, or a tumor of the auditory nerve. This is a rare type of hearing loss that affects middle-aged and older people. 3. Cochlear implantation,

• This passage has information about the outer or middle ear.

• Sensorineural (involves inner ear)

• Mixed (combination of the two)

Hearing loss can be caused by both aging and exposure to loud noises. Other factors, such as excessive earwax, can temporarily reduce how well your ears hear sounds.

Hearing loss is usually irreversible. However, you and your doctor or a hearing specialist can take steps to improve what you hear.

In teens caused by exposure to loud music Today's teens are exposed to more loud noise than ever before. Almost all of them listen to music on their devices and a lot of them use headphones to do it. Many parents think that loud music is a rite of passage for teenagers even though it can lead to hearing loss.

Hearing loss is the term that doctors use to describe a reduction in the ability to hear Sometimes this can happen because of a physical problem Other times it is caused by an illness or injury As we age it’s typical for this hearing to get worse and sometimes even disappear completely Hearing loss can also have emotional consequences such as depression and decreased quality of life Hearing loss can be either conductive or sensorineural — either way it affects your ability to hear sounds by preventing them from getting from your ears into your brain Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound waves are prevented from being conducted through the middle ear bones.

Hearing impairment features

Hearing loss can be classified as congenital or acquired. Congenital hearing loss is caused by genetic defects. This type of hearing loss can occur in newborns and infants, making the child unable to hear immediately. Acquired hearing loss (AHL) is caused by an injury or disease of the ear, such as meningitis or meningococcal disease, that damages the inner ear or the auditory nerve. AHL can occur at any age and

About 1.1 billion people around the world suffer from a hearing loss that limits their ability to communicate effectively with others. Hearing loss is a common condition, and since it can occur at any stage of life, there is no single type of hearing loss. It can affect one or both ears, and its causes vary widely. Age-related hearing loss (deafness) is the most common type of hearing loss, affecting up to 48 million Americans aged 65 years and over.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately one billion people have a disabling hearing loss, while 50 million have severe hearing loss and 250 million have moderate hearing loss. However, the World Health Organization also notes that as many as 3 billion people live in areas where there is no access to auditory rehabilitation - hearing or cochlear implant fitting and follow-up care -.

Other names for hearing loss are:

• decreased hearing

• deafness

• loss of hearing

• conductive hearing loss

The 3 main components of the ear are the external ear, middle ear, and inner ear. Hearing begins once sound waves submit to the outer ear to the tissue layer, that is, the skinny piece of skin between your outer and middle ear. Once the sound waves reach the eardrum, the eardrum vibrates.

The three bones of the center ear are referred to as the ossicles. These embrace the hammer, anvil, and stirrup. The eardrum and therefore the ossicles work along to extend the vibrations because the sound waves travel onward to the inner ear.

Once the sound waves reach the inner ear, they travel through the fluids of the tube. The cochlea could be a snail-shaped structure within the inner ear. Within the cochlea, there are nerve cells with thousands of miniature hairs connected to them. These hairs facilitate converting the undulation vibrations into electrical signals that then trip your brain. Your brain interprets these electrical signals as sound. totally different sound vibrations produce different reactions in these small hairs, signing different sounds to your brain.

Types Hearing loss

A listening to loss can manifest while any part of the ear or auditory (hearing) device isn't always running within the traditional manner.

Outer Ear

The outer ear is made up of:

• the part we see on the sides of our heads, known as pinna

• the ear canal

• the eardrum, sometimes called the tympanic membrane, which separates the outer and middle ear

Middle Ear

The middle ear is made up of:

• the eardrum

• Three tiny bones known as ossicles that send the movement of the myringa to the sensory receptor

Inner Ear

The inner ear is made up of:

• the snail shaped organ for hearing known as the cochlea

• the semicircular canals that help with balance

• the nerves that go to the brain

Auditory (ear) Nerve

This nerve sends sound information from the ear to the brain.

Auditory (Hearing) System

The auditory pathway processes sound information as it travels from the ear to the brain so that our brain pathways are part of our hearing.

There are four types of hearing loss:

• Conductive Hearing Loss
  Hearing loss as a result of something that stops sounds from getting through the outer or middle ear. This form of listening to loss can frequently be treated with remedy or surgical treatment.

• Sensorineural Hearing Loss
  Hearing loss that takes place while there's trouble inside the manner the inner ear or listening to nerve works.

• Mixed Hearing Loss
  Hearing loss that includes each conductive and a sensorineural listening to loss.

• Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder
  Hearing loss that happens once sound enters the ear normally, however owing to injury to the receptor or the hearing nerve, sound isn’t organized in an exceedingly means that the brain will understand. For a lot of information, visit the National Institute of hearing impairment and different Communication Disorders.

The degree of hearing loss can range from mild to profound:

• Mild Hearing Loss
  A man or woman with a mild hearing loss might also hear a few speech sounds, however tender sounds are tough to pay attention to.

• Moderate Hearing Loss
  A person with a slight hearing loss may pay attention to nearly no speech whilst any other man or woman is speaking at an everyday level.

• Severe Hearing Loss
  A man or woman with excessive hearing loss will pay attention to no speech when someone is speaking at an everyday level and only a few loud sounds.

• Profound Hearing Loss
  A character with a profound hearing loss will no longer pay attention to any speech and most effective very loud sounds.

Hearing loss can also be described as:

• Unilateral or Bilateral
  Hearing loss is in one ear (unilateral) or both ears (bilateral).

• Pre-lingual or Post-lingual
  Hearing loss occurred earlier than someone discovered to talk (pre-lingual) or after a person learned to speak (publish-lingual)

• Symmetrical or Asymmetrical
  Hearing loss is the same in both ears (symmetrical) or is exclusive in each ear (asymmetrical).

• Progressive or Sudden
  Hearing loss worsens through the years (innovative) or occurs fast (sudden).

• Fluctuating or Stable
  Hearing loss gets either higher or worse over the years (fluctuating) or remains the same through the years (solid).

• Congenital or Acquired/Delayed Onset
  Hearing loss is a gift at start (congenital) or appears someday later in existence (acquired or behind schedule onset).

Symptoms Hearing loss

Signs and symptoms of hearing loss may include: -Not being able to understand someone when they are speaking very loudly -Not being able to hear the TV or other noises in the room very well -Having to raise your voice to be heard

• Muffling of speech and other sounds

• It is hard to understand words when there is background noise or when there are a lot of people around.

• Trouble hearing consonants

• Speaking more slowly will make it easier for others to understand you. Make sure to speak loudly and clearly.

• To increase the volume of the television or radio, you will need to turn it up.

• Withdrawal from conversations

• Avoidance of some social settings

When to see a doctor

If you suddenly lose your hearing, go to a hospital right away.

If you are having difficulty hearing and it is interfering with your daily life, talk to your doctor. Age-related hearing loss happens slowly, so you may not be aware of it at first.

Causes Hearing loss

Loud noise is one of the foremost common causes of hearing loss. Noise from field mowers, snow blowers, or loud music can injury the inner ear, leading to permanent hearing loss. noise conjointly contributes to tinnitus. you'll forestall most noise-related hearing loss. defend yourself by turning down the sound on your stereo, television, or headphones; moving away from loud noise; or victimizing earplugs or alternative ear protection.

cerumen or fluid buildup can block sounds that are carried from the membrane to the inner ear. If wax blockage may be a problem, speak along with your doctor. He or she might counsel gentle treatments to melt earwax.

A pierced eardrum can even cause hearing loss. The membranes are often broken by infection, pressure, or swing objects within the ear, together with cotton-tipped swabs. See your doctor if you've got pain or fluid exhausting from the ear.

Health conditions common in older people, equivalent to polygenic disorder or high blood pressure, can contribute to hearing loss. Viruses and microorganisms (including the ear infection rubor media), a heart condition, stroke, brain injury, or a growth may also have an effect on your hearing.

a hearing disorder can also result from taking bound medications. “Ototoxic” medications injure the inner ear, generally permanently. Some toxic medicines embody medicines that wont to treat serious infections, willcer, and heart disease. Some antibiotics are ototoxic. Even Empirin at some dosages can cause problems. confer with your doctor if you notice a tangle whereas taking medication.

Heredity can cause hearing disorders, as well. however not all hereditary styles of hearing loss occur at birth. Some forms can show up later in life. For example, in otosclerosis, which is assumed to be a hereditary disease, an abnormal growth of bone prevents structures at intervals the ear from operating properly.

To understand how hearing loss occurs, it can be helpful to first understand how sound is heard.

How you hear

Your ear consists of three main areas: the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear. Sound waves cause vibrations at the eardrum. The eardrum and three small bones in the middle ear amplify these vibrations, and they then travel to the inner ear. There, the vibrations pass through fluid. The cochlea is a snail-shaped structure in the inner ear.

Hundreds of tiny hairs are attached to nerve cells in the cochlea. These hairs help translate sound vibrations into electrical signals that are transmitted to your brain. Your brain turns these signals into sounds you can hear.

How hearing loss can occur

Causes of hearing loss include:

• Damage to the inner ear.Exposure to loud noise may damage the hair or nerve cells in the cochlea, which sends sound signals to the brain. When this happens, hearing loss can occur.
  You may find it harder to hear words that are higher-pitched than others. The background noise may make it difficult for you to understand what people are saying.

• Gradual buildup of earwax.If earwax is blocking the ear canal, it can prevent sound from being transmitted through the ear. Earwax removal can help restore your hearing.

• Having an ear infection can lead to abnormal bone growths or tumors.Hearing loss can occur from any of these things in the outer or middle ear.

• A ruptured eardrum is when the eardrum is perforated (broken).Hearing can be affected by sudden loud noises, pressure changes, and infection.

Hearing loss is a problem with your ears that makes it difficult to understand what people are saying.

Vivien Williams: Hearing loss is very common.

Matthew Carlson, M.D.:There are many different types of hearing loss.

Vivien Williams:Dr. Matthew Carlson says that temporary hearing loss can occur when something blocks your ears, such as wax or fluid. Nerve-related hearing loss is usually permanent.

Dr. Carlson:Hearing loss can be caused by many different things. The most common type of hearing loss is probably due to age-related changes…

Vivien Williams:Hearing loss can be caused by exposure to loud noises. Dr. Carlson says that nearly all cases of sensorineural hearing loss are the result of the loss of function of hair cells in your inner ear.

Dr. Carlson:The hair cells in the inner ear convert sound to electrical signals.

Vivien Williams: Hearing aids help to increase the volume of sound. For people with profound hearing loss, cochlear implants send signals directly to the hearing nerve and brain. Once health care professionals figure out your type of hearing, they can provide you with a hearing aid. Depending on the severity of your loss, you may be able to customize your treatment plan.

Please follow all recommended Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for pandemic protocols. These guidelines may have changed since this content was created.

The effects of hearing impairment

• There are many effects that hearing impairment has on a person. These include:
• On speech comprehension Speech perception is dependent on the cochlea and the auditory nerve, as well as cognitive factors. Many studies have shown that hearing loss has a significant effect on spoken language comprehension. In fact, it can have an even greater impact than a reduction in normal hearing.
• Hearing impairment can have a significant impact on many aspects of your life. It may affect your ability to communicate with others and make social connections, for example, and it may also make it difficult for you to maintain relationships at work or in the home. Some people struggle with depression as a result of hearing issues, while others experience difficulty in their careers due to the decreased ability to hear instructions from their bosses or colleagues.
• Hearing impairment is classified into two main types: conductive hearing loss and sensorineural hearing loss. Conductive losses are caused by problems with the ear canal or middle ear, while sensorineural losses occur in the inner ear or auditory nerve. If a person has both types of hearing loss, they’re called mixed hearing losses.
• Hearing impairments are classified by the severity of hearing loss. The most common types of hearing impairment are: * Conductive hearing loss: This is caused by fluid or an obstruction in the middle ear, which prevents sound waves from being transmitted to the inner ear. Conductive hearing loss may also be caused by damage to the eardrum. It can affect one or both ears and can be a temporary or permanent condition. * Sensorineural hearing loss: This occurs
• There are three major types of hearing impairment: conductive, sensorineural and mixed.
• Some of the most widespread causes of hearing impairment include: Prenatal exposure to toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus or other infections (such as syphilis, herpes) is widely known to cause hearing impairment in children. Individuals born with a genetic condition called “congenital rubella syndrome” are at high risk for impaired hearing ability. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), congeniality.
• Hearing impairment can have multiple causes, but one of the most common is exposure to loud noises. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) reports that nearly 30 million Americans have some degree of hearing loss. Hearing loss can be temporary or permanent, but it’s important to understand the different types so that you know what kind you might be experiencing.
• Infection: Ear infections can affect hearing and could be due to ear infections. The infection could also be from bacteria or viruses, which live in the body’s fluids and multiply in the ears. These types of infections are usually treated with antibiotics. Ear infections can affect hearing and could be due to ear infections. The infection could also be from bacteria or viruses, which live in the body’s fluids and multiply in the ears. These types of infections are usually.

How do we know if someone has a hearing impairment

• First, we look for the signs. Someone with a hearing loss may have difficulty in understanding or communicating in a group situation. They may be unable to detect high-pitched voices, or they may have difficulty understanding words that are spoken too quickly. The person might also avoid going out because of the hassle of using an interpreter and trying to make yourself understood when you can’t hear properly.
• The first step in determining whether a person has hearing loss is to determine its severity. This can be done by asking individual questions that can only be answered if they hear, such as what time of day is or what year it is. If an individual has very mild hearing loss and simply needs to use the phone at a slightly larger volume, the first step in the correction would be to get new batteries for their phone.
• Hearing loss can be identified by several different characteristics. A person may have difficulties with.
• Hearing loss is a common and often treatable condition. It can impact your ability to understand speech in noisy places, to hear high-pitched sounds and even to participate in everyday conversations.

Can hearing loss be restored?

Unfortunately once you suffer from hearing loss it is permanent and cannot be restored However there are proven treatments available to help restore your ability to hear These include hearing aids and cochlear implants for people with moderate to severe hearing loss.

Can hearing loss be cured naturally?

No hearing loss can't be cured naturally But there are several ways you can improve your hearing And there are some things you can do to prevent it from getting worse You should wear ear protection if you work in a loud environment It's also important to have your ears examined regularly by an audiologist or doctor who specializes in ear disorders (otolaryngologist) This way any problems that develop can be found early and corrected before they cause permanent damage.

What treatment is recommended for severe hearing loss?

Hearing aids are the most common treatment for mild to moderate hearing loss according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communications Disorders Hearing aids amplify sounds so they can be heard by those with hearing loss They are small and fit in or behind the ear Newer models can be programmed to better meet your needs.

How can I improve my hearing naturally?

Before you rush out to buy the latest hearing aid try some of these tips to improve your hearing naturally Don't smoke Smoking can damage your ears and cause hearing loss It's also a known contributor to heart disease which can cause cognitive impairment and memory loss Be sure to take care of your ears If you already have some hearing loss avoiding loud noises and being attentive to the sounds around you will help slow down further damage from occurring Earwax buildup can also contribute to impaired hearing so it's important that you pay attention to hygiene inside the ear canal as well as outside it Look for symptoms like itchiness or pain that indicate something.

Risk factors Hearing loss

? Hearing impairment can happen to anyone, no matter their age, gender or race. There are two main types of hearing impairment: conductive and sensorineural. Conductive hearing impairment is caused by a problem in the outer ear or middle ear; sensorineural hearing impairment is caused by damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve. While some people experience only one type of hearing loss, others may experience both.

and the types of hearing impairment The most common form of hearing loss is sensorineural hearing loss, in which hair cells in the cochlea die and are unable to send sound information to the brain. Sensorineural hearing loss may be caused by a variety of factors, including age, noise exposure, genetics (heritable genetic disorders), medical conditions such as Ménière’s disease or other viral infections and ear infections. Other types of hearing impairment include conductive hearing loss

? A hearing impairment can happen to anyone at any time. However, certain factors increase the likelihood of developing a hearing loss. These include: age, family history of hearing loss, repeated exposure to loud noise and genetic predisposition. To prevent further damage in cases where someone has already lost some hearing, it is important that they use the right type of assistive listening devices (ALDs) and learn how to handle them properly.

There are several factors that can damage or lose the hairs and nerve cells in your inner ear, including:

• Aging.The inner ear structures will gradually decay over time.

• Loud noise.Exposure to loud noises can damage the cells in your inner ear. Damage may occur with prolonged exposure to loud noises or from a short burst of noise, such as from gunfire.

• Heredity.Your genes may predispose you to ear damage from sound or deterioration from aging.

• Occupational noises.Working in an environment where loud noise is a regular part of the job can damage your ear.

• Recreational noises.Exposure to loud noises, such as from firearms and jet engines, can cause immediate hearing loss. Other activities that can be very loud and dangerous include snowmobiling, motorcycling, carpentry, and listening to loud music.

• Some medications. Some drugs, such as the antibiotic gentamicin and certain chemotherapy drugs, can damage the inner ear. This can cause temporary effects on your hearing, such as ringing in the ear (tinnitus) or hearing loss. Taking high doses of aspirin or other pain relievers, or taking antimalarial medication can also cause this. Medicines that contain drugs or diuretics.

• Some illnesses.Diseases or illnesses that cause high fever can damage the cochlea.

Comparing loudness of common sounds

The chart below lists common sounds and their levels of sound. The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) safe noise level is 70 decibels. The louder the noise, the less time it takes to cause permanent hearing damage.

Maximum sound-exposure durations

Below are the noise levels at which you may be exposed without hearing protection and for how long.

Complications Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can have a big impact on your life. Older adults with hearing loss may experience feelings of depression. Because hearing loss can make conversation difficult, some people experience feelings of isolation. Hearing loss is also associated with cognitive impairment and difficulty managing daily tasks. The leaves will gradually decline in size and color over time.

There is currently much research being conducted into the relationship between hearing loss, cognitive impairment, and depression. It seems that treating hearing loss can improve memory performance.

Prevention Hearing Loss

Many of the causes that result in hearing impairment are often avoided through public health ways and clinical interventions enforced across the life course.

interference of hearing loss is crucial throughout the life course – from antenatal and perinatal periods to older age. In children, nearly 60% of hearing loss is thanks to avertible causes that may be prevented through implementation of public health measures. Likewise, in adults, most typical causes of hearing loss, cherished exposure to loud sounds and toxic medicines, are preventable.

To prevent noise-induced hearing loss and to minimize the worsening of age-related hearing loss, follow these steps:

• Protect your ears.Reducing the duration and intensity of your exposure to noise is the best way to protect your ears. Earplugs or earmuffs can help protect your ears from damaging noise when you are at work.

• Have your hearing tested.If you work in a noisy environment, consider getting regular hearing tests. If you've lost some hearing, you can take steps to prevent further losses.

• Avoid recreational risks.Activities such as riding a snowmobile or listening to rock music can damage your hearing over time. Wearing ear protection or taking breaks from the noise can protect your ears. Lowering the music volume is also helpful.

Can you slow down age-related hearing loss? Yes, by eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise.

Are you trying to make your voice louder on the TV or asking others to speak up? You're not alone, especially if you're over 50 years old.

Presbycusis is the gradual loss of hearing ability as we age.

Dr. Gayla Poling says that as you get older, your ears wear more and more.

When you start to notice age-related hearing loss, that's when it starts.

Dr. Poling says that most hearing loss is preventable. Hunters, for instance, are at risk of developing hearing loss.

If you are going to be working with loud noises, wear hearing protection that is specifically designed to reduce noise exposure. This will help reduce the long-term damage to your ears.

Dr. Poling says a hearing test can help your doctor determine if you have experienced hearing loss.

We're looking at the point where you can hear the softest sounds. And we're evaluating your entire auditory system while doing this - not just with the earphones but also with how you're responding. Make sure to do some other tests to evaluate your middle ear and inner ear as well.

Before you raise the volume, consider turning it down. I'm Ian Roth for the Mayo Clinic News Network.

Diagnosis Hearing loss

Tests to diagnose hearing loss may include: - Checking how well someone hears in different situations, such as when they are quiet, in a noisy environment, or while they are speaking - Hearing tests that use sounds that vary in volume and intensity - A physical examination to assess how well the ears work

• Physical exam.Your doctor will examine your ears for possible causes of your hearing loss, such as earwax or an infection. Your doctor might also look for any structural problems that may be causing your hearing loss.

• General screening tests.Your doctor may use the whisper test, in which you are asked to cover one ear at a time, to see how well you hear words spoken at various volumes and how you respond to other sounds. The accuracy of the test is limited.

• App-based hearing tests.There are mobile apps available that you can use on your own tablet to screen for moderate hearing loss.

• Tuning fork tests.Tuning forks are two-pronged metal objects that produce sound when struck. Tests with tuning forks can help your doctor determine if you have hearing loss. This evaluation may also reveal where the damage has occurred in your ear.

• Audiometer tests.An audiologist will conduct more-thorough tests by wearing earphones and listening to sounds and words directed to each ear. Each tone is repeated at a very faint level to find the quietest sound you can hear.

Treatment Hearing loss

If you develop hearing impairment because of a buildup of wax within the auditory meatus, you'll remove the wax at home. Over-the-counter solutions, together with wax softeners, can remove wax from the ear. Syringes can even push heat water through the ear canal to get rid of the wax. Consult your doctor before trying to remove any object stuck in your ear to avoid accidentally damaging your ear.

For alternative causes of hearing loss, you’ll have to see your doctor. If your hearing loss is the result of an infection, your doctor might have to dictate antibiotics. If your hearing loss is because of alternative conductive hearing problems, your doctor could refer you to a specialist to receive a hearing aid or a tube-shaped structure implant.

If you have hearing problems, there are resources available to help you. The treatment will depend on the cause and severity of your hearing loss.

Options include:

• Removing wax blockage.If earwax becomes blocked, hearing loss can be reversed by a doctor using suction or a small tool with a loop on the end.

• Surgical procedures.If you have hearing loss that cannot be corrected with medication or surgery, your doctor may recommend treatments including surgery to correct abnormalities of the eardrum or bones in your ear. If you have repeated infections, your doctor might also insert small tubes into your ears to help drain the fluid.

• Hearing aids.If you have hearing loss due to damage to your inner ear, a hearing aid may help. An audiologist can discuss the benefits of a hearing aid and help you choose the best type for your needs. A "Open fit" aids are currently most popular because they fit more comfortably and offer features such as sound quality and battery life.

• Cochlear implants. If you have more severe hearing loss and cannot benefit from conventional hearing aids, then a cochlear implant may be an option. This device goes directly into your inner ear bypassing damaged or nonworking parts. Decoupage can help stimulate the hearing nerve. An audiologist can discuss the risks and benefits with a medical doctor who specializes in disorders of the ears, nose, and throat (ENT).

Dr. Hogan:Hearing aids can be adjusted to provide a wide range of sound amplification for those with hearing loss.

That's one reason why Dr. Cynthia Hogan, an audiologist, says that not all ear devices are designed to fit everyone the same way.

Dr. Hogan:There is not one best hearing aid for older people versus younger people. We try to choose a hearing aid that's going to match the person's needs.

Decisions about the type of hearing aid, as well as whether it will have rechargeable batteries or need to be replaced, are important.

Dr. Hogan: This is a hearing aid that is full-sized and fits all of your ears.

This device has many benefits, such as the fact that wearers can answer and listen to a phone call while wearing it. Some hearing aids can even connect to a person's cell phone.

Dr. Hogan:They can watch videos or other things on their phone directly to their hearing aid.

An audiologist can help you figure out all of your options and create a personal plan for addressing your hearing problem.

I'm Jeff Olsen from the Mayo Clinic News Network.

Please note: This content was created before the 2019 COVID-19 pandemic and does not demonstrate proper pandemic safety precautions. Follow all recommended Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for hygiene and social distancing.

Coping and support

Some tips to help you communicate more easily if you have hearing loss:

• Tell your friends and family.Tell them that you have some hearing loss.

• Position yourself to hear. Face the person you're talking to.

• Turn off background noise.For example, talking on the phone can be difficult if there is too much noise from a television.

• Do not speak too loudly. Talk clearly, but not so loudly that others can't hear you.If you are having trouble hearing people, most people will be willing to help you.

• Before speaking, try to get the other person's attention.Do not try to talk to someone in a different room.

• Choose quiet settings.Try to find a place to talk in public that is away from noisy areas.

• If you need assistance understanding this text, consider using an assistive listening device.Hearing devices like TVs or radios that allow you to listen to the radio or watch TV without disturbing others can help you hear better. These devices can also help you to hear other noises around you more clearly.

Preparing for your appointment

If you think you may have hearing loss, call your doctor. After an initial evaluation, your doctor may refer you to a hearing specialist (audiologist).

Here are some things you may need in preparation for your appointment.

What you can do

• Write down your symptomsYou should have your hearing checked if you have noticed changes, such as difficulty hearing in one ear or both ears. Ask friends and family for help in making a list of changes that you may have noticed. These changes may be important to your doctor when he or she is assessing your hearing health.

• Write down key medical information,List any conditions that may be related to your ear problems. Include any chronic infections, injuries, or surgeries you have had in the past. Include all medications you take, as well as any vitamins or supplements.

• Summarize your work history,You should not avoid any jobs that may involve exposure to high noise levels. Even jobs from years ago that may have been noisy may be okay now.

• Take a family member or friend along.A friend can help you remember everything you learned from your doctor.

• Write down questions for your doctor.

Some questions you might ask if you are experiencing hearing loss include:

• What could be causing my symptoms?

• What else might be causing my symptoms?

• What tests do you recommend?

• Can I stop taking any of my current medications?

• Should I see a specialist?

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, including:

• What are your symptoms? Do you have pain or drainage in the affected ear or ears?

• Did your symptoms come on suddenly?

• Do you hear ringing or roaring sounds in your ears?

• Are you experiencing dizziness or balance problems?

• Are you prone to ear infections, ear trauma, or surgery?

• Do you have any experience working in a noisy environment, such as being near airplanes or serving in the military?

• Do your family members think that the volume of the television or radio is too loud?

• Can you have trouble understanding someone when they are speaking in a low voice?

• Can you understand what someone is saying on the phone?

• Does it often feel like you need to speak up or have others repeat themselves more often in a noisy setting, such as at a busy restaurant?

• Can you hear something dropping to the ground?

• Can you sense when someone is behind you?

• If you have impaired hearing, does it bother you or affect your quality of life?

• Can you try a hearing aid?

General summary

1. Hearing impairment or hearing loss is the inability to hear sounds at an acceptable level. In industrialized countries, hearing loss is mostly caused by exposure to noise, and it is estimated that half of the population may have a hearing problem by age 70. Hearing loss has many causes. The most common are.
2. Hearing loss or hearing loss is a debilitating condition that can have a profound impact on the quality of life of affected individuals. According to statistics, nearly 90% of people with hearing loss live in developing countries and about a third are under 25 years old. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 360 million people worldwide suffer from hearing loss.
3. Hearing impairment is a broad term for a group of hearing problems, including partial hearing loss, total hearing loss, and age-related hearing loss. It also includes both conductive and sensorineural forms of hearing impairment. Conductive hearing impairment affects the outer or middle ear, while conductive hearing impairment affects the inner ear or cochlea. Neurosensory disorders are more common than conductive disorders.

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3. Medical Specialties
4. Organ surgery : Detailed explanation
5. Diagnosis And Medical Examinations