Deafness, one of the most common hearing impairments, can have different causes, including otosclerosis, a condition that causes ossification of the stapes, one of the small bones of the ear. The condition causes gradual loss of hearing and the only solution is microsurgery, which involves partial or complete removal of the ossicles and placement of a prosthesis to restore hearing.
diseases affecting the ears
Another common condition is ear discharge, which occurs when water gets into the ear or a cold causes a perforated and infected eardrum. These discharges may also be caused by benign tumors called cholesteatomas, which destroy bone. The solution for these situations is always surgery.
Over the years, many people have experienced aging-related hearing problems, or voice impairment from long-term exposure to loud noises, such as at work or clubbing.
Solutions for possible cases of deafness
Hearing aids are a common solution in these cases, but there are now implantable hearing aids that allow patients to maintain normal hearing at all times, even underwater or while sleeping. These implants require moderately complex surgical procedures.
Cochlear implants are used when the hearing loss is so severe that hearing aids are not enough, these technologically advanced devices have restored nearly all hearing to many people. Furthermore, for children who are congenitally deaf, a cochlear implant is the only solution that enables them to acquire adequate hearing and language skills.
Excessive noise can also cause ear trauma and lead to hearing loss. Therefore, it is very important to avoid being in very noisy environments and use hearing protectors if necessary.
One of the most serious hearing-related problems is a tumor of the acoustic nerve, called a neuroma. These tumors may initially cause mild symptoms such as tinnitus (noise in the ear), mild hearing loss, or dizziness, but in the long run they can be very serious. In most cases, delicate surgery is required to remove it, as long as the patient is not elderly.
Ear vertigo, also known as Meniere’s vertigo, is another condition that most affects people’s quality of life. During a crisis, patients are completely unable to perform any activities. This condition is usually accompanied by fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus, and a feeling of fullness in the ear. Despite available medical treatments, in many cases surgery is the only effective solution.
Conditions that affect children’s hearing
In children, the most common condition is catarrhal or serous otitis media, which causes pain, hearing loss, and sometimes suppuration. Most otitis media tends to be cured with medication, but in some cases adenoid growths may need to be removed and grommets placed to ventilate the ear and improve hearing. It is worth mentioning that recurrent serous otitis media may also lead to the formation of cholesteatoma, as occurs in adults.
Taking care of our ears and maintaining good hearing is essential to our quality of life. If you experience any symptoms of hearing loss or ear problems, it is recommended to see a specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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