Contrary to what many people think, Sonus is not actually a brand of hearing aids. Rather, it is a network of hearing care centers that provide people with top-quality hearing care. Sonus hearing care centers actually carry different hearing aid brands. The question, however, is what brand you should pick over the others? What really [...]
Hearing Loss Tips and Advice
Hearing loss is a partial or total inability to hear sound in one or both ears. There are already very minor decreases in hearing starting age 20. These normally come gradually but it rarely end in complete deafness.
There are two main categories on hearing loss:
First, Conductive hearing loss (CHL) occurs because of a mechanical problem in the outer or middle ear. The eardrum may not vibrate in response to sound because the three tiny bones did not conduct sound properly. This are typically caused if there is fluid in the middle ear. There are chances that this condition can still be reversible.
Second, unlike CHL, Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is irreversible. This has to do with nerve damage in the inner ear, i.e. tiny hair cells or nerve endings are injured so they are unable to transmit sound.
Recent developments in pediatrics is that screening for hearing loss among children is required for all newborns. Ear infections are the most common cause of hearing loss among children. Preventing hear loss is more effective than treating one especially if damage has already been done.
Occupational hazards are one of the major reasons for hearing loss among adults. Exposure to loud noises on a day-to-day basis can damage nerve cells. Many companies have addressed this issue and have made concrete ways to decrease the chances of hearing loss for occupational reasons.
Effective personal hygiene is a good practice to prevent hearing loss. Regular ear cleaning will help prevent wax buildup, which is one of the causes of hearing loss.
If there are early signs, approach a doctor if you notice
signs like the ones mentioned below start to appear:
- Hearing problems become persistent
- If there is a sudden or severe hearing loss or ringing sound from the ears
- When hearing problems start to interfere with your personal lifestyle.
- Or, if you have symptoms like ear pain.
Diagnostic tests can now be performed as part of a detailed
physical examination, to include:
- Audiometry, which is a form of electronic hearing test.
- MRI of the ear
- Auditory response test
- Caloric test
- X-ray of the head, among others.
Hearing aids or cochlear implants are now available to help those with hearing impairments.
