Dr. Edlinger, ENT specialist at the Wiener Privatklinik, answers questions about hearing loss
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What does it mean to have hearing loss?
In the condition of hearing loss, three distinct types are distinguished. In cases of affected outer or middle ear, then it comes to Conductive loss. Another type is Sensorineural Hearing Loss, a natural part of the aging process that affects the inner ear. The third type is a combination of the previous two - Mixed Hearing Loss. This condition is common. Among its main symptoms may be:
- the increase in volume when listening to TV or radio
- the need for others to speak more clearly and loudly
With hearing loss, a person often has difficulty understanding speech, especially if there is extraneous noise and in cases where others are wearing masks. When a person suffers from this condition, they usually distance themselves from others and their social environment.
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What are the main causes of this condition?
During the life cycle of a person, the cells of the inner ear gradually begin their degradation, which leads to a decrease in hearing. This condition is known as presbycusis. The main cause of hearing loss is age, which is why a large percentage of adults over 65 in Europe suffer from at least partial hearing loss. In cases of a large amount of earwax in the ear, hearing loss also occurs. Also with constant exposure to loud noises, such as when hunting or using loud machinery. In case of presbycusis, consultation with a doctor is recommended in order to improve the condition as it cannot go away on its own.
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Is sudden hearing loss possible and why?
With an infection in the ear or the accumulation of earwax, the sudden onset of hearing loss is possible. Damage to the inner ear due to inflammation or lack of blood flow can also lead to this condition. If over a period of several you feel a sudden hearing loss or a progressive one, it is necessary to seek medical attention immediately. It is extremely important to determine and find the cause of the hearing impairment. It is possible that a rupture of the ear membrane, tumors in the auditory pathway, or a ruptured eardrum can cause sudden hearing loss.
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How can hearing loss be tested?
In order to determine if the patient is affected by hearing loss, an examination by an ENT specialist is necessary. An audiometric examination of the inner ear functions should also be ordered by means of a hearing test (audiogram). This type of examination is carried out in silence using headphones. Different and repetitive tones and speech at low decibels are played into the patient's ear, thus detecting the lowest sound the patient can hear. The examination examines the ear canal to detect the causes of hearing loss, such as ear inflammation or earwax build-up.
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How is the audiogram read?
Hearing loss is measured in percentages and also in decibels. When testing a patient to identify different sounds, hearing loss is measured in decibels, and when presenting words, it is measured as a percentage of residual hearing. For patients with hearing function levels below 20 decibels loss of sound perception and above 90% speech and word understanding, it is assumed that their hearing is within normal limits.
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What treatment is needed for hearing loss?
In order to determine the correct treatment for each patient, it is necessary to discover the underlying cause of this condition and what the degree of hearing loss is. For almost all degrees, regardless of the severity of hearing loss, a therapeutic option can be offered to help improve the condition. Treating an ear infection, removing earwax from the ear or performing surgery are some of the options. When hearing loss is also identified as mixed or conductive, wearing cochlear implants for patients with near-total or total hearing loss is recommended, as is the use of hearing aids.
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Do ear drops help with hearing loss?
Every person needs to take daily care of their ear hygiene. This prevents the accumulation of earwax in the ear. The use of products suitable for maintaining ear cleanliness can be various special use ear oils or ear drops.
