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Whether you have had sudden hearing loss or you are just worried about your hearing, there are many different causes of hearing loss. These include many illnesses, but you may also be exposed to noise-related hearing loss.
Noise-related hearing loss
Noise-related hearing loss is a condition caused by exposure to a loud sound. It can cause damage to the inner ear structures that control hearing. It can affect both ears and can be permanent or temporary.
If you experience sudden hearing loss, it is essential to contact an ENT. It may be due to a ruptured eardrum or an infection. To treat it, a saline solution can be used. You should also consult your doctor if you are experiencing tinnitus or ringing in the ear.
The first line of defence is prevention. In addition to wearing ear protection, limiting your time spent in areas where noise is prevalent is essential. The longer you are exposed to noise, the more likely you will develop NIHL. Consult with audihearing.com.au/online-hearing-test/ to learn more about the cause of hearing loss.
Noise-induced hearing loss is a severe health problem that affects many people. It is also one of the most preventable causes of hearing loss. However, it can become permanent if you continue to be exposed to noise.
Some jobs have higher risks of hearing damage than others. The riskiest jobs are real estate and construction. Other high-risk industries include motorcycling and carpentry.
Occupational noise exposure can cause severe to profound hearing loss. If you work with loud equipment or music, wear protective devices.
Autoimmune inner ear disease
An autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED) is a rare disorder characterized by rapid and progressive sensorineural hearing loss. It occurs in less than 1% of all patients with hearing loss. It can be treated.
There are several reasons why someone may develop AIED. The risk increases with age. Women are more likely to suffer from it than men. It can also occur in association with other autoimmune disorders. In addition, some medications can cause hearing loss.
A physical exam and blood tests usually make a diagnosis of AIED. Sometimes, a response to an immunosuppressive medication can be a definitive indication of the condition. If the treatment is unsuccessful, a cochlear implant may be required.
When a person has an autoimmune disorder, the body reacts to its cells by attacking the inner ear. The damage to the ear occurs over weeks or months. The ear is more vulnerable to attack than the vestibular system.
If a patient has a history of frequent use of over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers, the risk of developing autoimmune inner ear disease is increased. These medications can also affect blood flow to the ear.
The condition is sometimes confused with Meniere’s disease. There are similarities in the pathophysiology of both conditions. However, the symptoms of autoimmune inner ear disease are less severe.
Meniere’s disease
Meniere’s disease is a chronic condition that affects the inner ear. It causes episodes of severe spinning vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss. It usually occurs in people between the ages of 40 and 60. The symptoms are often related to middle or inner ear infections and may be associated with head trauma.
An increase in the fluid pressure inside the inner ear, referred to as endolymph, disrupts the delicate hearing and balance processes. It also interferes with fine-tuning the basilar membrane and outer hair cells. Initially, the effects are reversible, but cumulative damage will reduce the ability to hear over time.
In the early stages, the onset of vertigo and hearing loss may be sudden, accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The attacks usually last from 20 minutes to 24 hours. They can occur several times a week. Constant struggles with balance and vision may follow them.
Later, vertigo and hearing loss will be more severe, resulting in a more noticeable aural fullness. Tinnitus will become more noticeable as well.
Because of Meniere’s disease severity, patients are at risk for permanent hearing loss. The vertigo attacks may continue for hours or days, depending on the intensity of the symptoms. However, they can usually be controlled by motion sickness medications. The use of hearing aids or other treatments may also help to relieve symptoms.
Cholesteatoma
Cholesteatoma is an infection that attacks the ear, causing hearing loss. The disease can also damage the surrounding bone. The earliest signs of cholesteatoma may include pressure or fullness in the ear, discharge, or vertigo. It can occur in children or adults.
If you suspect you have a cholesteatoma, the first step is to get a proper diagnosis. Several tests can help to determine the stage of the condition. One is a computed tomography (CT) scan of the temporal bones. This test can help pinpoint the cyst’s location and allows the doctor to visualize it more clearly.
The second step involves surgery. There are several surgeries that can be used to treat cholesteatoma. The main goals of these surgeries are to remove the cholesteatoma and prevent it from returning. The first surgery may be performed through an incision in the ear canal or behind the ear. The second surgery aims to reconstruct the ear.
If the disease is caught early, the cholesteatoma can be treated successfully. However, if left untreated, a cholesteatoma can spread to the brain and cause complications. It is a serious disease and should be investigated as soon as possible.
If a cholesteatoma recurs, it can create an abnormal pouch in the middle ear. The tympanic membrane can pull back, making it difficult for the eardrum to open, resulting in ‘ears popping’.
