Kinds of Hearing Impairment

Age-related Deafness

With growing age there is loss in the ability to hear. It is a gradual process. There can be decrease in the clarity of speech or slight hearing loss. Age-related deafness can be the result of exposure to noise. The tiny, bony structures of the middle ear may become rigid so less sound vibrations may pass from the outer ear to the inner ear.

Symptoms There is a decreased ability to hear speech clearly and hearing loss of sounds in certain ranges or frequencies. Similar speech sounds may become difficult to distinguish. Background noise can make this even more difficult. Friends and family may notice the hearing loss before the person with the hearing loss does.

Treatment Earing aids are a common treatment for age-related hearing loss. Sound is amplified with the help of hearing aids. Many types of hearing aids are available and many can be personalized to meet the specific needs of the individual. Presence of tinnitus may also be reduced with the help of hearing aids.Tinnitus is a condition in which a person hears sounds like ringing, buzzing, or crackling that may not be present in the person’s environment.

Noise-Induced Deafness

One can lose hearing ability due to exposure to noise.This is one of the most common causes of hearing loss. Because of loud noises Tinnitus may also occur. If such kind of deafness occurs suddenly it is called auditory trauma. Examples of an auditory trauma are noises from an explosion, firecrackers, or gunshot. Sometimes sudden change in air pressure along with loud noises can also cause such deafness. Auditory trauma can rupture the eardrum. Loud noises in an industrial setting cause a kind of deafness known as Industrial Deafness. This type of hearing loss is most common in people who work in industrial settings with excessive noise. They must use protective gear such as earplugs etc to prevent such a kind of mishap.

Workers in other fields are at risk of noise-induced hearing loss. Occupational hearing loss is common among firefighters and musicians. Some manufacturing settings have excessive noise that can put the workers at risk for hearing loss.

Some people may not realize the danger of loud noise. Loud music as is common at rock concerts has been known to cause hearing loss. If one is exposed to loud sound (including music) at high levels or for extended durations (85 dB A or greater), then hearing impairment can occur. Sound levels increase with proximity; as the source is brought closer to the ear, the sound level increases.

Treatment may include use of hearing aids, assistive listening devices, and cochlear implants.

Deafness From Diseases

Deafness can also be the consequence of an infection or disease that might affect the structural integrity of the ear. Deafness from disease can happen any time during life, even before birth. Deafness can result from being exposed to rubella, influenza, or mumps before birth. Measles and Meningitis may result in auditory nerve damage. Ear infections are the most common causes of hearing loss in children. The hearing loss can become more severe and permanent if the ear infection is left untreated. Swimmer’s ear, also called an external ear infection, can cause temporary hearing loss due to swelling of the ear canal. HIV may also cause damage to ears. Babies born to alcoholic mothers may also have to face hearing loss.

Bony projections begin to develop in a disease called Otosclerosis. These growths can interfere with hearing. Otosclerosis can affect the middle ear, inner ear, or both.

Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and other autoimmune disorders have been associated with a risk of hearing loss. With these autoimmune diseases, hearing loss occurs if the immune system attacks the cells of the cochlea. Multiple Sclerosis can cause deafness.

Diabetes can cause hearing loss or deafness if the nerves or the blood supply of the ears is compromised. Nerve damage and damage to the circulatory system are symptoms of diabetes.

Premature birth may also result in sensorineural hearing loss approximately 5% of the time.

Deafness From Trauma

Blows to the head, blows to the ear, or a perforated eardrum can cause deafness or hearing loss by impairing the ear’s ability to function. Injury during birth can sometimes cause hearing loss or deafness. Experiencing a change in air pressure such as barotraumas from diving can cause hearing loss.

A perforated eardrum can be caused by inserting something into the ear canal or even by a loud, sudden noise.The hearing loss may be due to the sudden change in air pressure. A fractured skull can damage the structure of the ear and cause hearing loss. Injury to the cochlea or auditory nerve can cause sensorineural hearing loss. Injury to the inner ear can result from head trauma from car accidents or fights.

This type of hearing loss is not able to be repaired surgically.

Ototoxicity

This is sometimes referred to as ear poisoning. Chemicals or medications can cause damage to the inner ear leading to hearing loss, deafness, and problems in maintaining balance and posture. The extent of ototoxicity varies with the drug and its dosage. Many different medications can cause hearing loss. Loop diuretics, aminoglycoside antibiotics, and even aspirin can be a cause of ototoxicity. Quinine is an anti-malaria medication that can cause ototoxicity.

Ototoxicity may be reversible or irreversible.Sometimes the drug-induced hearing loss is temporary and can be reversed or stopped. Treatment of permanent damage is focused on decreasing the symptoms and helping patients cope with the hearing loss or other symptoms. Hearing aids and cochlear implants are sometimes used as part of the treatment for ear poisoning. Physical therapy is sometimes used to treat balance impairments due to ototoxicity.