Sudden Loss Of Hearing:
Most sudden hearing loss can be attributed to infection in the ear canal, usually in the middle ear where the eardrum is located. When the eardrum can not vibrate from incoming sound due to the build up of fluid, hearing is greatly impaired. Additionally, the bones of the middle ear are not able to vibrate, preventing mechanical impulses from entering the inner ear to the auditory nerve fibers.
Another way hearing loss can be sudden is due to a build up of wax, or cerumen, in the ear. The purpose of cerumen is to prevent debris from entering the ear. In this case, more is not better. In fact, it causes a blockage of sound waves from making their way through the auditory system, resulting in a degree of hearing loss. Although this may be a temporary condition, never the less, the person's ability to hear is greatly reduced.
Whether it is excessive earwax or fluid build up, 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.
Where children are concerned, ear infection and hearing loss may not be easily recognized, particulary with very young children. The child may display some discomfort by crying a lot, but if they can't talk yet you may not know what the cause of the discomfort is. This is where body language will come into play. If you notice your child is frequently pulling or scratching at the ear, its a universal sign of probable infection. Additionally, fever may or may not be present. A delay in treatment can result in developmental delays in speech and other learning disabilities.
Your child may also show signs of not paying attention or has the TV exceptionally loud, show signs of fatigue or irritability.
Hereditary Factors:
Congenital hearing loss is present at the time of birth, a condition handed down from ancestors. It can also be due an infection during pregnancy, such as rubella, cytomegalovirus (CMV), toxemia, in addition to lack of oxygen during the birthing process.
Acquired hearing loss can happen at any time due to age, head trauma, or prolonged exposure to excessive noise. Hearing deficits can exist for months before you know there is a problem, whether you are a child or an adult.
A hearing impaired adult may complain of inability to hear and understand speech, and needing conversation to be constantly repeated. Any incidence of a decreased hearing capacity requires thorough examination by a health care provider for diagnosis and proper treatment. Your doctor may refer you to a hearing professional for specialized hearing testing and possible fittings for a hearing aid. The main goal is detection of infection or other cause that may be causing the hearing loss.
Most sudden hearing loss can be attributed to infection in the ear canal, usually in the middle ear where the eardrum is located. When the eardrum can not vibrate from incoming sound due to the build up of fluid, hearing is greatly impaired. Additionally, the bones of the middle ear are not able to vibrate, preventing mechanical impulses from entering the inner ear to the auditory nerve fibers.
Another way hearing loss can be sudden is due to a build up of wax, or cerumen, in the ear. The purpose of cerumen is to prevent debris from entering the ear. In this case, more is not better. In fact, it causes a blockage of sound waves from making their way through the auditory system, resulting in a degree of hearing loss. Although this may be a temporary condition, never the less, the person's ability to hear is greatly reduced.
Whether it is excessive earwax or fluid build up, 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.
Where children are concerned, ear infection and hearing loss may not be easily recognized, particulary with very young children. The child may display some discomfort by crying a lot, but if they can't talk yet you may not know what the cause of the discomfort is. This is where body language will come into play. If you notice your child is frequently pulling or scratching at the ear, its a universal sign of probable infection. Additionally, fever may or may not be present. A delay in treatment can result in developmental delays in speech and other learning disabilities.
Your child may also show signs of not paying attention or has the TV exceptionally loud, show signs of fatigue or irritability.
Hereditary Factors:
Congenital hearing loss is present at the time of birth, a condition handed down from ancestors. It can also be due an infection during pregnancy, such as rubella, cytomegalovirus (CMV), toxemia, in addition to lack of oxygen during the birthing process.
Acquired hearing loss can happen at any time due to age, head trauma, or prolonged exposure to excessive noise. Hearing deficits can exist for months before you know there is a problem, whether you are a child or an adult.
A hearing impaired adult may complain of inability to hear and understand speech, and needing conversation to be constantly repeated. Any incidence of a decreased hearing capacity requires thorough examination by a health care provider for diagnosis and proper treatment. Your doctor may refer you to a hearing professional for specialized hearing testing and possible fittings for a hearing aid. The main goal is detection of infection or other cause that may be causing the hearing loss.