Decreased Hearing

Decreased hearing, also known as hearing loss, is a condition where there is a reduction in the ability to hear. This can be caused by a number of factors including age, genetics, exposure to loud noises, infections, and other health conditions.

CAUSES

  1. Age: Age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis, is a common cause of decreased hearing. It occurs gradually over time as the sensory cells in the inner ear start to deteriorate.

  2. Genetics: Genetic factors can also contribute to decreased hearing. Some genetic conditions such as otosclerosis, which affects the bones in the middle ear, can lead to hearing loss.

  3. Exposure to loud noises: Exposure to loud noises can damage the delicate hair cells in the inner ear and lead to hearing loss. This can be caused by exposure to loud music, machinery, and other loud noises.

  4. Infections: Infections such as otitis media, which is a middle ear infection, can lead to hearing loss. This occurs when the Eustachian tube becomes blocked or infected, leading to fluid buildup in the middle ear.

  5. Other health conditions: Certain health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease can contribute to decreased hearing. These conditions can affect the blood flow to the inner ear and damage the delicate hair cells.

  6. Medications: Certain medications can also cause hearing loss. These include antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and aspirin at high doses.

 

TREATMENT

Treatment for decreased hearing will depend on the underlying cause. A doctor will need to perform a thorough evaluation to determine the root cause of the condition. Treatment may include the following:

  1. Hearing aids: Hearing aids are small electronic devices that amplify sound and can improve hearing. They are useful for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.

  2. Cochlear implants: Cochlear implants are small devices that are surgically implanted in the inner ear and can improve hearing for people with severe hearing loss.

  3. Medications: Medications such as antibiotics and steroids can be used to treat hearing loss caused by infections and other health conditions.

  4. Surgery: Surgery may be necessary to treat hearing loss caused by tumors or other abnormalities in the ear.

  5. Lifestyle changes: Lifestyle changes such as reducing exposure to loud noises and quitting smoking can help prevent further damage to hearing.

PREVENTION

There are several steps you can take to prevent decreased hearing:

  1. Protect your ears: If you are exposed to loud noises, wear earplugs or other protective devices to prevent damage to your ears.

  2. Keep your ears clean: Clean your ears regularly to prevent wax buildup, which can lead to infection and hearing loss.

  3. Get regular check-ups: Regular check-ups with your doctor can help identify any health conditions that may contribute to hearing loss.

  4. Avoid medications that can cause hearing loss: Avoid using medications such as antibiotics and aspirin at high doses, as these can cause hearing loss.

  5. Eat a healthy diet: A healthy diet can help maintain good blood flow to the inner ear, which is essential for good hearing.

In conclusion, decreased hearing can be caused by a variety of factors, including age, genetics, exposure to loud noises, infections, and other health conditions. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause and may include hearing aids, medications, surgery, or lifestyle changes. Prevention involves protecting your ears, keeping your ears clean, getting regular check-ups, avoiding medications that can cause hearing loss, and eating a healthy diet.