Dr. Priyanka J. Hardikar

Hearing loss is a condition where a person is unable to hear sounds fully or partially in one or both ears. It can range from mild to profound and can affect individuals of all ages. The severity, causes, and types of hearing loss vary, and it can significantly impact a person's quality of life, including communication, social interactions, and overall well-being.

Types of Hearing Loss

1. Conductive Hearing Loss:

• Cause: Issues in the outer or middle ear, such as ear infections, fluid buildup, earwax blockage, or structural abnormalities.
• Symptoms: Sounds may seem muffled, and there is often a reduction in sound level or the ability to hear faint sounds.

2. Sensorineural Hearing Loss:

• Cause: Damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the auditory nerve, often due to aging, exposure to loud noise, head trauma, or genetic factors.
• Symptoms: Difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments, and a permanent reduction in hearing ability.

3. Mixed Hearing Loss:

• Cause: Combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.
• Symptoms: Features of both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.

Causes of Hearing Loss

• Genetic Factors: Inherited conditions and genetic syndromes.
• Aging (Presbycusis): Natural degeneration of hearing ability with age.
• Noise Exposure: Prolonged exposure to loud sounds, such as music, industrial noise, or explosions.
• Infections: Ear infections, meningitis, or measles.
• Ototoxic Medications: Certain drugs that can damage hearing (e.g., some antibiotics, chemotherapy agents).
• Physical Trauma: Injury to the head or ear.
• Chronic Diseases: Conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or autoimmune diseases.

Symptoms of Hearing Loss

• Difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments.
• Frequently asking others to repeat themselves.
• Turning up the volume on electronic devices.
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
• Withdrawal from conversations and social situations.
• Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds (e.g., children's voices, birdsong).

Prevention of Hearing Loss

• Protecting Ears from Loud Noises: Using earplugs or earmuffs in noisy environments.
• Regular Hearing Check-ups: Especially for those at risk due to age, occupation, or health conditions.
• Avoiding Ototoxic Medications: When possible, and under medical advice.
• Managing Chronic Health Conditions: Such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.