Hearing Loss Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Hearing loss is any type of disturbance in the normal hearing process. This can range from hearing less clearly to not being able to hear at all.
Normal hearing can take place if sound waves are captured by the outer ear, then passed through the middle ear to the inner ear. In the inner ear, the cochlear structure will deliver sound stimuli through the auditory nerve so that they can be perceived in the auditory center in the brain.
Symptom
Symptoms of hearing loss can occur in one or both ears. The severity varies from mild to severe. Symptoms that can be experienced include:
- difficulty hearing other people’s speech clearly, or hearing errors. This is especially true in crowded situations.
- often ask people to repeat the conversation.
- listening to music or TV louder than normal people.
- difficulty listening when using a cell phone or telephone.
- difficulty hearing if people are not facing each other (eg behind you).
Reason
There are several possible causes of hearing loss, namely:
- Sensorineural. Occurs due to sensory or nerve disorders in the inner ear. This can be triggered by exposure to loud noises, the aging process, drugs that damage the ear (ototoxic), certain diseases (eg meningitis ), genetic factors, head trauma, and structural abnormalities in the inner ear.
- conductive. Occurs because of an obstacle that interferes with the transmission of sound (conduction) from the outer ear through the middle ear to the inner ear. This condition can be triggered by a buildup of earwax, ear infections, damage to the eardrum, the presence of a foreign object in the ear, ear deformities, trauma to the ear, and other reasons.
- Mixture. Caused by a mixture of sensorineural and conductive disturbances.
Diagnosis
Generally, the doctor will collect information about the symptoms being felt and perform a physical examination of the ear. The goal is to see the ear canal more closely.
In addition, a simple examination can be carried out with a tuning fork to help determine the cause of hearing loss. Other tests that can be done are the audiometer technique, acoustic immittance, otoacoustic emissions (OAE), auditory brainstem response (ABR), and several other ways.
Treatment
Treatment really depends on the cause of hearing loss. For example, in conduction disorders, treatment can be carried out by removing foreign bodies/earwax. The process of removing it can be done by administering antibiotics in cases of ear infections or sometimes certain surgical techniques are needed in more severe cases.
Some devices can also help with hearing problems. For example the use of hearing aids, cochlear implants, auditory brainstem implants, and other techniques.
Prevention
Some types of hearing loss cannot be prevented, for example due to changes or damage to the structure of the ear due to age. In this condition, the structures in the ear become less elastic and the fine hairs are damaged and less able to respond to sound waves.
Likewise, if there is a condition of ear defects. Some people are born with an abnormal ear structure, which makes it difficult for them to hear properly.
In addition, there are several things that can be done to prevent hearing loss, such as:
- Avoid constant exposure to loud noises. Exposure to loud noises, for example from power tools, airplanes, firearms, or from listening to loud music through earphones can damage the hair cells in the cochlea. The severity of the damage depends on the loudness of the sound and the length of time the sound has been heard.
- Keep your ears clean to avoid ear infections. When an ear infection occurs, fluid builds up in the middle ear. Likewise, earwax – the thick, sticky substance that normally prevents bacteria and other foreign substances from entering the ear – can sometimes build up and harden in the ear, impairing the ability to hear.
- Usually, hearing loss due to ear infections is mild and temporary. However, if an ear infection is not treated, it can cause severe and long-term hearing loss.
- Be careful doing unusual activities. Injury and trauma can cause a hole in the eardrum.
- Head trauma or strong pressure on the ear while flying in an airplane or diving, as well as a broken skull or a punctured eardrum can cause a hole. A perforated eardrum or membrane that separates the ear canal and middle ear can cause a person to lose hearing.