Hearing Loss

The canals in our ears are lined with hair follicles as well as glands that create an oily wax called cerumen, or ear wax. The purpose of this wax is to line the inner surface of the ear canal and protect it by gathering up bacteria, dirt and dust, and miroorganisms. Ear wax also helps to prevent irritation when the delicate skin of the ear canal is exposed to moisture; There is absolutely nothing abnormal or unhealthy about ear wax or the production of it.

There are several different forms of hearing loss, based on which part of the auditory pathway is impaired. In this brief article we provide an overview of five types – sensorineural, conductive, functional, mixed and central. Some types of hearing loss are more treatable than other types, and a trained hearing care professional will be able to show you your options following an assessment.

Are you searching for some basic facts and statistics to finally get a loved one to have a hearing evaluation or be fitted for a hearing aid? It is very common for people to resist seeking assistance for hearing problems, but talking to them about the causes, effects and prevalence of hearing problems may help. These facts and statistics could help you convince someone you care about that it is time to get a complete hearing test.

26 million Americans — consisting of men, women and kids — have noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health. Noise-induced hearing loss is brought on by exposure to unsafe sound levels of 85 decibels (dB) and up, and may be permanent or temporary. To put that in context, frequent exposure to heavy traffic in the city may reach this level, while motorcycles, fireworks and firearms all have decibel levels in excess of 120. Thankfully that your neighborhood sporting goods and hardware stores most likely have a number of hearing protection devices on hand that can help safeguard your hearing in a wide variety of circumstances.

Just about every medication – prescription or over-the-counter – has an associated list of potential side effects (many of which can be very significant). Were you aware that some medications have the potential to lead to hearing loss or balance problems? These medications do exist, and they are referred to as ototoxic. Both prescription and over-the-counter can have ototoxic side effects. You can find more than two hundred recognized ototoxic drugs that are commonly used according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASLHA). These medications may result in permanent or temporary ear damage or balance disorders.

When a patient has trouble hearing because of the ear’s inability to conduct sound waves, she is suffering from conductive hearing loss. A malformation or congenital absence can cause this form of hearing loss or it can be caused by an obstruction in the ear canal. Many varieties of conductive hearing loss can be treated, allowing the individual to enjoy a normal level of hearing.

It can be confusing to choose among the many charities in existence today. Selecting which charities to support financial is based on several factors including the cause itself, the reputation of the organization and the intended use of the funds. You can become a part of one of many national and international charity organizations that lend their time and resources to helping those in need of better hearing health.

One of the simplest things you can do to protect your ability to hear is to use ear plugs. When these small devices are inserted into your ear canal, disruptive or dangerous sounds are blocked out. There are many types of ear plugs on the market, making shopping confusing for some people, but with a little knowledge you can find the right pair for your situation.

Tinnitus (ringing in the ears), vertigo (dizziness) and intermittent hearing loss are three of the more recognizable signs of a condition known as “Meniere’s disease”. This disorder affects your inner ear, causing you to have symptoms that disrupt your balance and hearing. Whilst medical science hasn’t yet discovered a cure for this condition, there are a number of steps you can take to decrease its symptoms and lessen its impact on your day-to-day life.

Whenever a sound wave strikes your ear, miniature nerve endings in your inner ear convert them into electric signals that your brain comprehends as sounds. Unfortunately, these nerve endings can be damaged, as can other components in your inner ear, leading to a condition known as sensorineural deafness.