Sudden Loss of Hearing
Generally, hearing loss can be associated with an infection. As the ear fills with fluid, the eardrum, located in the middle ear, can not vibrate from incoming sounds from the environment. In addition, an infection also inhibits the bones of the middle ear from vibrating which inhibits mechanical impulses from reaching the inner ear and auditory nerves.
Another common culprit of hearing loss is an excess buildup of earwax or cerumen. When this occurs, a blockage forms which does not allow sound to travel to the auditory system. Although earwax has an important job, to keep debris from entering the ear, more is not better. Although this type of hearing deficit is temporary, it is very important that the blockage be removed to restore the patients hearing.
Whether it is excessive earwax or fluid buildup, the condition must be treated to restore hearing. When fluid is the result of infection, treatment must begin as soon as possible to prevent extensive damage or permanent hearing loss from occurring.
In children, especially very young children, ear infections and hearing loss can be very difficult to recognize. In these cases, where children may not yet be able to speak, an excessive amount of crying may be done. Since they can not verbalize their discomfort, body language plays an important role in deciphering your childs ailment. In children, the universal sign that he or she may have an ear infection is pulling or scratching of the ear. It is imperative that medical treatment be sought immediately as any delay can result in delayed speech ability as well as other learning disabilities.
Other signs your child may display are irritability, fatigue, inability to pay attention and having the television sound turned up dramatically.
Hereditary factors:
Congenital hearing loss is present at the time of birth, a condition handed down from ancestors. It can also be due to an infection during pregnancy, such as rubella, cytomegalovirus (CMV) and toxemia, in addition to lack of oxygen during the birthing process.
Another form of hearing loss is Acquired hearing loss which occurs due to age, head trauma or prolonged exposure to loud and excessive noises. Anyone whether child or adult can go for months without realizing a problem actually exists.
Oftentimes, adults with hearing loss will complain of inability to hear and understand speech as well as constantly asking for conversations to be repeated. No matter whether the patient is a child or adult, it is highly imperative that treatment be sought as soon as possible. The first step is seeking the diagnosis and proper treatment from a healthcare provider. In some cases, a specialist may be required to perform further testing along with a possible hearing aid fitting. No matter the reason, the main goal is to diagnose, treat and restore the precious hearing that has been lost.
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