Hearing loss is a partial loss of the sense of hearing. It can affect one or both ears and can cause the sounds to appear muffled, create difficulties to follow speeches in the presence of a background noise or when talking to more people. The basis of the condition may be associated with problems of balance, dizziness, tinnitus and a pressure sensation in the affected ear. Also problems and damages to the structures responsible for hearing (for example to the eardrum), accumulations of cerumen or liquids, the presence of foreign bodies, damage or a reduction in hearing loss associated with aging are possible. Sometimes, it is a congenital problem already present at birth. In other cases it may be associated with the intake of certain drugs or trauma.
What kind of diseases can be associated with hearing loss?
The following diseases may be associated with hearing loss:
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Ichthyosis
- Labyrinthitis
- Meningitis
- Paget's disease
- Acoustic Neuroma
- Otitis
- Cleft palate
- Mumps
- Rubella
- Syphilis
- Down syndrome
- Meniere's disease
- Scarlet fever
- Tonsillitis
Remember that this is not an exhaustive list and it is highly recommended to consult your doctor, in case of symptom’s persistence.
What is the therapy for hearing loss?
In the case in which the hearing loss is a result of an accumulation of cerumen, it is possible to solve the condition through appropriate washings. Sometimes that kind of activity cannot be performed at home and a doctor must clean the ear. The same applies in the event the issue is a result of the presence of a foreign body.
In all other cases, if the problem does not resolve itself in a short time, an advice should be sought from a doctor, so the underlying cause can be identified and respectively the most appropriate remedy.
When is most likely to contact your doctor in case of hearing loss?
If the hearing loss interferes with ones quality of life, if it worsens (perhaps more in one ear than the other), suddenly appears and if it is associated with symptoms such as: pain, headache, weakness or numbness in any other body part, a doctor should be contacted.
