Hearing Loss Causes: How to Avoid to Improve Hearing Loss

Hearing loss, which is also known as presbycusis, is a common hearing impairment that develops gradually as people get older. Hearing loss causes can range from something as simple as earwax blockage to something more complex such as hereditary factors. Chronic exposure to loud noises is one of the main hearing loss causes. Hearing loss is not reversible; however, with the help of a doctor, there are certain things that can be done to improve hearing.

The first step in dealing with hearing loss problems is to identify the hearing loss symptoms. There are a number of signs that can indicate hearing impairment. Among the hearing loss symptoms is muffled sounds and speech. People with hearing loss problems will have trouble understanding words most especially when in a crown or when there is background noise. Hearing impairment will necessitate frequent requests for others to speak louder, slower or more clearly. People with hearing loss problems will also feel the need to turn up the volume of things such as the television, radio, or other media players. Individuals who experience hearing loss will tend to withdraw from conversations, and this will eventually lead to them avoiding certain social settings. People with hearing impairment should seek medical help if the hearing loss interferes with everyday activities.

The next step in dealing with hearing loss is to determine the hearing loss causes. The following are some of the various hearing loss causes:

Hearing Impairment

Hearing impairment can occur when the inner ear is damaged. This permanent condition is known as sensorineural hearing loss. The parts of the inner ear that may be involved with hearing loss are those which send sound signals to the brain, namely the hairs or nerve cells of the cochlea. The wear and tear of these parts will prohibit efficient transmission of electrical signals, thus leading to hearing loss. This type of damage can develop naturally over time or with aging. This can also occur because of prolonged or frequent exposure to loud noises. Inner ear damage can manifest through difficulty in picking out words against other background noises and muffling of high pitched sounds. Hereditary factors, one of the main aspects contributing to hearing loss, may influence the odds on how these changes affect an individual.

Ear Wax blockage: Remove to improve hearing loss

Blockage due to ear wax is another cause of hearing loss. The buildup of earwax, which happens gradually, can cause blockage in the ear canal. This will prohibit the conduction of sound waves. This type of hearing loss is known as conductive hearing loss, and is restorable through removal of earwax.

Certain conditions of the middle or outer ear can lead to hearing loss. These include abnormal growths, either of bone or tumors, as well as ear infection.

Tympanic membrane perforation

Tympanic membrane perforation, or simply, a ruptured eardrum, can also cause hearing loss. This can occur when there are loud explosions of sound, when there is an abrupt change in pressure, or when the eardrum is poked by an object, which can lead to infection.

Upon identifying the hearing loss problem, treatment can be established depending the reason and severity. The following are the various options available to improve hearing:

Hearing aids can be recommended for inner ear damage. These devices increase the volume of sound.

Removal of earwax blockage can be done by a doctor. The earwax buildup is loosened with oil, and then the softened material is flushed, scooped, or suctioned out. Cochlear implants, like hearing aids, amplify sounds as well. These devices are recommended for severe hearing loss.

Preventive measures can also be done to avoid hearing loss. A simple way is to protect the ears from extreme sounds by using earplugs or earmuffs. When listening to music, the volume should be turned down to an appropriate level, especially when using earphones or headphones. Potentially damaging recreational activities such as hunting or shooting should also be avoided. Regular hearing tests is also beneficial to prevent further hearing problems.

The different types of hearing loss

In the aging process of most human beings, some people start experiencing hearing problems. Young children also can have these problems. According to research studies, ear disorders are of various types depending on the part of the ear affected. The ear may seem to be a small part of the body but once affected can cause diverse problems.
 

There are four different types of hearing loss but of the four, there is the most common. That is the sensorineural hearing loss. This affects the innermost part of the ear called cochlear. That is why it is sometimes referred to as cochlear or inner ear loss. The inner ear nerves and sensory nerves, which submit signals to the brain, are damaged. Patients hear mumbles but they cannot understand. This commonly affects the aged people.

Causes of sensorineural hearing ranges from age to genetics. However, there are other causes like inner fluid disturbances, noise exposure, inner blood circulation issues and even some medical prescriptions. This type of hearing loss, unfortunately, is permanent and has no cure. Hearing aids are used but in extreme cases, cochlear implants can be tried.

Conductive hearing loss is another type. This commonly affects the ear canal, middle ear bones and sometimes the eardrum. In this condition, one’s own sound seems so high that the patients speak softly but other sounds seem diminished. It is commonly caused by presence of fluid in the middle ear, earwax clogging the ear canal, disease of the middle ear bones, holes on the eardrum and general middle ear infections.

With this condition, it can be either permanent or temporary depending on the severity. Blockage due to wax and fluid is often treatable but if the middle ear components are severely damaged, then it becomes incurable. For temporary situations, audiologists can employ surgical options in restoring the hearing. For permanent situations, hearing implants are used in addition to hearing aids.

Of the different types of hearing loss, is another called mixed. This is a combination of the sensorineural and conductive hearing losses characteristics. The more serious type of loss effect, the worse the situation. For instance, if sensorineural effects are more, the sounds heard become too soft and distorted. The disorder becomes worse when it causes permanent deafness.

The central nervous system in human bodies is concerned in processing of sounds. Sometimes it has defects that make it fail to process the signals sent to the brain from the ear. This breakdown in the auditory process can result to hearing but difficulties in understanding and interpreting what was heard. This condition forms the fourth hearing disorder. A qualified physician has to be invoked in it.

The ear is an important organ in the body. It not only helps in hearing but also providing support and balance in the body via the fluid it contains thus giving people a good posture. It also causes dizziness if disrupted. It therefore needs special care and attention. Proper precautions and measures are to be taken to prevent any form of hearing loss and anything else that can affect it.

Welcome to our improve hearing loss blog: Our first post.

This post will be detailing some of the different types of hearing loss: Hearing loss or impairment is when one experiences hearing problems which is due to complications in one or more parts of the ear. It can be mild and temporary or more severe and long-term. Changing times has brought along many solutions that can assist you with improving hearing loss now. However, in order to know what to do it may be best to understand hearing loss better first.

Different Kinds of Hearing Loss and its Degrees

There are four basic kinds of hearing loss: 1) sensorineural 2) conductive 3) mixed hearing loss and 4) auditory neuropathy. Before we look at each type a little closer, we should look at how we hear. It is, however, a biologically sophisticated and complex process. Even before birth, we respond to sounds.

The ear is basically divided into three parts: the outer ear (the ear canal and eardrum), the middle ear (a space behind the eardrum containing 3 bones called the ossicles) and finally, the inner ear (cochlear). Simplified – we hear through sound waves entering and traveling down our ear canal and hitting the eardrum where it vibrates causing the ossicles to vibrate which creates movement in the inner ear (of fluid and hair cells). It is movement of the tiny hair cells that sends electrical signals up the auditory or hearing nerve to the brain. The brain then interprets these signals as sound.

Depending on where the complication occurs within this process determines what hearing loss symptoms you will experience. This is a direct result of the type of hearing loss you have. In order to find the right solution to improve hearing loss, finding a certified Audiologist and/or Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) is a necessary pre-requisite. Let’s take a closer look at the four kinds of hearing loss before looking at recommended solutions to improve it.

1. Sensorineural hearing loss

This type of hearing loss occurs when there is a problem in the cochlear (inner ear). Hearing loss can be minor ranging to profound. The conditions related to this type of hearing loss are certain diseases, viruses, drugs, birth complications, genetic problems, head trauma, aging, tumors and exposure to noise.

2. Conductive hearing loss

Conductive hearing loss occurs when the sound cannot travel down the ear canal properly to reach the eardrum. A common cause is an imbalance in wax or fluid in the ear. This kind of hearing loss is temporary and can be treated by a doctor either medically or surgically. Various hearing loss causes can be linked to a perforated eardrum, impacted earwax, unusual shape of the ear, objects in the ear, Otitus media (middle ear infections) or fluid in the middle ear from colds or allergies.

3. Mixed hearing loss

This is a combination of both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. They may have damage to any part of their ear including possibly the nerve connecting the inner ear to the brain.

4. Auditory Neuropathy

This kind of hearing loss is caused by the sound entering the inner ear without any problems but being unable to signal the brain successfully. Fortunately, only a few people are affected with this type of hearing loss. Sometimes they will be able to hear, sometimes not but they usually will have trouble understanding speech.

As for the degree of hearing loss – it is measured in decibels and ranges from a hearing loss range of (dB HL) of -10 to 15 (which is normal) to about 91+, which is considered profound.

How to Improve Hearing Loss

There are various hearing loss treatments available and here we will look at a few possibilities.

1. Hearing Aids

Hearing aids are devices that amplify sounds in order to assist those with hearing impairments. Exponential growth within technology has seen a new generation of hearing aids enter the market – offering hope where before there was limited scope. Well, no more. Choosing the right hearing aid involves finding the right product at the right price and there are devices out there that exist purely in order to improve hearing loss.

There are generally five categories of hearing aids and they are: 1) behind-the-ear (BTE), 2) in-the-ear (ITE), 3) completely-in-canal (CIC), 4) receiver-in-canal (RIC) and 5) receiver-in-the-ear (RITE). As their names suggest, they all operate differently and the right medical professional will be able to assist you in choosing the right one for you. Hearing aids will mainly differ in design, technology (analog or digital) and/or special features.

2. Assistive Learning Devices

These are devices that assist one to hear better and medical clearance is not needed in order to obtain one. Even someone with normal hearing can use them in order to improve listening capabilities. There are various kinds available and can be used with or without a hearing aid.

3. Cochlear Implants

A Cochlear Implant is an electronic device that is placed within the inner ear in order to electrically stimulate the nerves there. It has an internal and external component. Whereas hearing devices can be used for varying degrees of hearing loss, cochlear implants are preserved for only severe to profound cases of hearing loss.

4. Implantable Middle Ear Hearing Devices (IMEHD)

Implantable Middle Ear Hearing Devices are tiny and attached to one of the bones in the middle ear. This device is generally used for people with sensorineural hearing loss.

5. Bone-anchored Hearing Aids (BAHA)

Bone-anchored Hearing Aids (BAHA) also have two components, similar to cochlear implants. These are for individuals with middle ear difficulties (typically mixed hearing problems) or otherwise experiencing no hearing in one ear.

Preventative Measures

It is believed that you can protect your hearing with with a special antioxidant called acetylcysteine. This belief is based on research by Swedish researchers where they exposed their officers to excessive noise. Taking the antioxidant within one to four hours of exposure proves to limit potential damage. In fact, Professor Ulf Rosenhall of The Karolinska University in Stockholm, Sweden highly recommends proper nutrition in protecting oneself against developing any future hearing loss.

It is also suggested that one wears protective ear plugs when attending loud concerts or public meeting as it will take the edge off. Lastly, stem cell research is showing some promising results for future assistance with any hearing problems. Most importantly, do not give up until you find the solution.