Hearing can be lost gradually, or quickly. It is an important problem. You may notice hearing loss as a feeling of blockage in the ears, or an increasing difficulty in hearing people in a noisy environment. Find out more here.
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Hearing can be lost gradually, or quickly. It is an important problem. You may notice hearing loss as a feeling of blockage in the ears, or an increasing difficulty in hearing people in a noisy environment. Sudden hearing loss is usually very noticeable. It should be quickly assessed as it may require urgent treatment.
Loss of hearing can be caused by many things. It can be due to wax build up, or fluid in the ears after a cold, neither of which are a long-term problem, but it can be due to a problem in the inner ear, in which case it needs to be treated as soon as possible.
If your hearing is lost gradually, it may not be immediately noticeable. It does not mean that it is not a problem however. Over the long term, having hearing loss can lead to depression and dementia. Some people with hearing loss also have tinnitus. Hearing loss is an important problem to address.
Sudden hearing loss – If sudden hearing loss is caused by ear wax, this can be easily removed with a technique called microsuction. Fluid in the ears will often clear by itself, but sometimes nasal sprays may help. If the problem is in the inner ear, then it is treated urgently with steroids – either as a tablet, or an injection in the ear.
Long term hearing loss – long term hearing loss can be due to a problem in the eardrum and middle part of the ear, in which case an operation like grommets, tympanoplasty, or stapes surgery can usually restore hearing. When hearing loss is due to age or noise related problems in the inner ear, a hearing aid is usually recommended. Occasionally, if hearing levels are very low, a cochlear implant may be recommended.
Causes
Damage to the inner ear, buildup of earwax, ear ...
Treatment
Microsuction, steroids tablet, or an injection i...
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