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Hearing loss

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Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Ear anatomy
Ear anatomy

Alternative names    Return to top

Decreased hearing; Deafness; Loss of hearing

Definition    Return to top

Hearing loss is the total or partial inability to hear sound in one or both ears.

Considerations    Return to top

Preventing hearing loss is more effective than treating it after "the damage is done."

Minor decreases in hearing are normal after age 20. Some deafness related to nerve damage affects 1 out of 5 people by age 55. It usually comes on gradually, and it rarely ends in complete deafness. See hearing loss of aging. Alzheimer's disease or other neurological problems may sometimes be falsely suspected in older people because they have hearing problems.

There are many causes of hearing loss. They can be divided into 2 categories:

Conductive loss is often reversible -- nerve loss is not.

Screening for hearing loss is now recommended for all newborns. In children, hearing problems may cause speech to develop slowly.

Ear infections are the most common cause of temporary hearing loss in children. Fluid can linger in the ear following an ear infection. Although this fluid can go unnoticed, it can cause significant hearing problems in children. Any fluid that lasts longer than 8-12 weeks is cause for concern.

Common Causes    Return to top

Genetic: Congenital: Infectious: Traumatic: Toxic: Age-related: Occupational:

Other:

Temporary hearing loss can be caused by:

Home Care    Return to top

Wax build-up can frequently be flushed out of the ear (gently) with ear syringes (available in drug stores) and warm water. Wax softeners (like Cerumenex) may be needed if the wax is hard and impacted.

Care should be taken when removing foreign bodies. Unless it is easily accessible, have your health care provider remove the object. Don't use sharp instruments to remove foreign bodies.

A hearing aid can be helpful in coping with hearing loss caused by nerve damage.

Call your health care provider if    Return to top

What to expect at your health care provider's office    Return to top

The medical history will be obtained, and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting hearing loss in detail may include: The physical examination will include a detailed examination of the ears.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include: A hearing aid or cochlear implant may be provided to improve hearing.

Update Date: 10/27/2003

Updated by: James L. Demetroulakos M.D. F.A.C.S., Department Of Otolaryngology, North Shore Medical Center, Salem, MA. Clinical Instructor in Otology and Laryngology Harvard Medical School. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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