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.
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Genetics and damage from a variety of sources can cause hearing impairment. The children of a deaf parent can inherit deafness. Pregnancy and childbirth complications can cause hearing impairment, such as prematurity, oxygen deprivation, jaundice,... Full Answer
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- Q What are the different treatment options for hearing loss?
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Dr. David Vernick, OtolaryngologyDepending on your test results and your medical history, your doctor or audiologist (a health professional who assesses hearing and balance, as well as fits and dispenses hearing aids) may recommend any of several solutions. If you've got a middle ear... Full Answer
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- Q What are the risk conditions for hearing loss in children?
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Hearing loss can happen any time during life, from before birth to adulthood. The following are some of the things that can increase the chance that a child will have hearing loss: • There is a family history of childhood hearing loss.... Full Answer
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