Hearing Damage
Good hearing depends on a series of events that change sound waves into electrical signals that travel through our cells and nerves to our brains. When the hair cells (cilia) or auditory nerves that make this happen are damaged, your hearing is affected.
Most people think of hearing loss (deafness) when the ear is damaged, but you can have other symptoms, too. You may hear a ringing or roaring sound (called tinnitus and pronounced TINN-uh-tus or tinn-UH-tus).
Most cases of hearing damage in those over 65 are caused by aging and heredity, but doctors are increasingly concerned about hearing damage in young patients, such as those who are exposed to loud on-the-job noises (jackhammers) or recreational noise (fireworks and loud music).
It's important to understand the causes of hearing loss and what you can do to prevent it.
Recently Answered
- Q What is hearing loss?
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Hearing loss is a common physical problem among people of all ages. Today about 17 percent (36 million) of American adults report some degree of hearing loss. [1] Older adults may have hearing loss because of degeneration of the nerve tissue in the... Full Answer
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- Q Will red wine help to prevent hearing loss?
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Dr. Robin Miller, Integrative MedicineStudies are indicating that red wine might prevent hearing loss. In this video Robin Miller, MD talks about the benefits of resveratrol found in red wine. Full Answer
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- Q How is hearing impairment diagnosed in infants?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyWith the advent of universal newborn hearing screening, all children should have their hearing screened before they leave the hospital. Make sure that your baby was screened and that the results were normal. If the hearing screen is not passed, then you... Full Answer
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- Q How is hearing loss treated?
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There are different treatments for hearing loss, including hearing aids, assistive listening devices, and cochlear implants. Because many people do not recognize they have early hearing loss, these tools are missed until hearing loss worsens. By treating... Full Answer
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- Q Where can I go for hearing loss support?
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Three main sources of support include the following: Family/Friends: We most regularly communicate with our friends and family. So a mutual understanding of hearing loss and its effects can help communication channels stay open. Friends and family can... Full Answer
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- Q How can I help protect my hearing?
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Dr. Michael Roizen, Internal MedicineJust as overtaxed joints wear out faster than those that are gently strengthened and stretched, ears become damaged if they're overexposed to loud noise. Protect your hearing by eating folate-rich foods -- found in leafy green veggies, egg yolks,... Full Answer
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- Q What are the different types of hearing loss?
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Dr. David Vernick, OtolaryngologyThere are two basic types of hearing loss, sensorineural and conductive. Many people have a combination, especially as they age. These people are said to have mixed hearing loss. Hearing loss that is strictly due to aging is called presbycusis, a form of... Full Answer
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- Q What are the symptoms that I may have hearing loss?
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The symptoms of hearing loss can vary, depending on the cause of the hearing loss and the emotional nature of the individual. Some people with hearing loss have difficulty following conversations in a group or have trouble hearing high-pitched voices... Full Answer
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- Q What are the risks of having cochlear implant (CI) surgery?
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Dr. David Vernick, OtolaryngologyThe cochlear implant procedure carries some risks. Cochlear implant patients are more susceptible to bacterial meningitis (an inflammation of the tissue surrounding the brain) caused by Streptococcus pneumonia bacteria. Experts strongly recommend that... Full Answer
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- Q How can I choose a good hearing aid?
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Your audiologist will most likely help you in choosing the best hearing aid. Choosing a hearing aid depends partly on how much hearing loss you have, how small you want the aid to be, and the situations in which you intend to use it. Some hearing aids... Full Answer
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