Hearing loss is the inability to hear partially or totally in one or both ears. Generally, sound is indicated by 'frequency' and 'intensity'. In 'frequency', our ears can normally hear between 20 to 20,000 Hertz. When hearing threshold or the least hearing ability of a person is over 25 dB (decibel), then it can be termed as hearing loss or impairment. Hearing loss treatment involves diagnosis of the type and degree of hearing loss and based on the type and degree of hearing loss the treatment would be either medical or rehabilitative

We are regularly exposed to various types of sounds.
Hearing loss or problem can occur from one or multiple reasons; the most common factors as well as specific causes leading to hearing loss among adults and children are:
Children: Genetic; Prematuriy; Infection; Drugs
Adults: Noise induced; Ototoxic; Immune diseases; Heredity; Physical trauma; Ageing( Presbycusis)

If hearing loss interferes with activities of daily living or if you have to frequently have to ask your conversation partner to repeat themselves, you might be on the verge of hearing loss

Socially 

• Do you require frequent repetition?
• Do you have trouble following group conversations?
• Do you have your TV /radio volume turned up to high?

Emotionally 

• Do you feel stressed out from straining to hear?
• Do you feel annoyed because you can’t hear?
• Do you withdraw from social situations?

Medically

• Do you have a family history of hearing loss?
• Do you take Medication?
• Do you experience Tinnitus?

The type of  hearing loss can be identified by  a professional Audiologist detecting the area or section of the ear  which is the cause

Conductive hearing loss

Hearing loss in the outer or middle ear is termed as conductive hearing loss which generally can be treated with medication; surgery  or the use of hearing aids.

Sensori-Neural hearing

This type of hearing loss is due to problems arising out of the inner  ear or Auditory nerve disorders.

Though it is a permanent problem, hearing restoration is possible with the help of medical treatment; surgery hearing aids or other hearing devices . The treatment will  be unique  to the condition.

Mixed Hearing loss

This is a combination  of Conductive and Sensori- Neural hearing loss.Here too,  hearing aids or other hearing devices can help in hearing restoration

This is the medical term for “ ringing in the ears.” It is the perception of sound in the ear in the absence of objective sound and may be heard in one ear or both.

It is often described as buzzing,whistling, roaring,humming, hissing or whooshing. It can be continuous or intermittent

Tinnitus is not generally a  serious medical condition but it can be very distressing and cause sleep disturbance

It is  not a disease but is a symptom resulting from a range of underlying causes. 

There is one type of Tinnitus that requires urgent medical attention and that is pulsatile tinnitus.

If nausea or dizziness accompany Tinnitus , visit your doctor

 Some causes of Tinnitus

• It can result from foreign objects or wax in the external ear.
• It is often associated with hearing loss and is more common in the elderly. However it may be a symptom in congenital hearing loss
• People who have been exposed to loud noise and have incurred noise induced hearing loss are prone to Tinnitus
• Injuries to the head and neck
• Emotional distress
• A side effect of certain medications may be Tinnitus

At the moment, there is no known permanent cure for Tinnitus –  but it can be managed .

What to do if you have Tinnitus

• Consult and Ear, Nose and Throat surgeon or our GP
• Visit your Audiologist- determine if you have a hearing loss which may explain the Tinnitus.
  • Very often hearing aids can help reduce the Tinnitus to manageable levels.
• Take precautionary measures to avoid loud noise to protect your ears if you are in a noisy environment
• Check your medication as it may be a side effect of the drugs you are taking and discuss this with your doctor

One of the most common types of injuries that occur in the workplace is hearing damage.

It is often not noticed at first

There are legal requirements that are laid out by OSHA which covers occupational health exposure.

However it is not only the workplace that is of concern. People listening to very loud music (eg at concerts) for prolonged periods are also at risk. In addition listening to loud music with ear buds also puts one’s hearing at risk.

Hearing damage may not be noticeable at first. But is the one UNDISPUTED result of noise damage.

So- a simple warning : Turn the volume button LEFT to reduce the risk

 Two types of Hearing Hazards

• Sudden loud noise
• Prolonged loud noise

Sudden loud noise can cause immediate hearing damage  and often people are unable to prepare for it.

The closer one is to the  sound source the more damage it will cause.

Prolonged noise exposure  depends on how long and how loud the exposure is.

Exposure to noise over 85dB for 8 hours a day is dangerous and workers need to wear hearing protection and have annual hearing tests to monitor any changes

Noise protectors  such as earplugs or ear muffs are effective ways of protecting hearing.

There are many types on the market and should be chosen as the right type for the right situation

There are a number of substances that can have adverse effects on your hearing

The technical term is called  “Ototoxic” ie. they cause damage to the ear..Specifically, they damage the small hair cells within your ear

• How does Hearing get affected?
  The  blood thins and that means the ears are supplied with less Oxygen
• Some medications actively attack the hair cells in the Inner Ear
• Nerves responsible for transporting signals from the ears to the brain can be targeted

Some Ototoxic substances are:

Tobacco or other nicotine products. Smoking has numerous effects on your ears eg compromising the blood needed by the auditory hair cells.

Alcohol has similarly destructive effects on the ear and hearing.. It impacts the cochlea which can compromise both hearing and balance.

As we know Alcohol can have deleterious effects on the brain over time with the Auditory Cortex being a frequent victim

Certain medications have ototoxic properties.

IF YOU SUSPECT YOU MAY BE EXPERIENCING HEARING LOSS FROM MEDICATION, YOU MUST SPEAK TO YOUR DOCTOR AND FOLLOW THEIR INSTRUCTIONS
DO NOT IGNORE MEDICAL ADVICE

There are about 200 commonly prescribed ototoxic medications but they usually fall under certain categories eg chemotherapy agents or blood thinners.

There are others as well

Aspirin and Quinine are 2 of the most commonly available ototoxic medications

They are both blood thinners which means that the oxygen brought to your ears is lessened. This can asphyxiate hair cells.

Antio-biotics

This is a massive umbrella term , But aminoglycosides is especially known for Ototoxicity
Many chemotherapy agents can affect the inner ear hair cells which if damaged cannot be restored

Ear wax is a natural secretion of the glands of the ear.

It helps lubricate the ear and protect it from infection.

But if..

The ears are blocked with wax or there is ear pain; itching; ringing in the ears and hearing loss due to the wax being impacted it needs to be removed.

The wax needs to be removed by a professional trained to do so eg  doctor; audiologist; nurse .

Certain oils or drops may be prescribed to soften the wax before it is removed.