Audiology, everything you need to know!
More than 700,000 people suffer from disabling hearing loss and require treatment. Did you know that the prevalence of hearing loss increases with age? Among those over 60, more than 25% suffer from disabling hearing loss.
Early detection is the key to proper treatment.
What is hearing loss?
Hearing loss or hypoacusia refers to the decreased ability to hear all sounds well and its severity can vary, to the point where the loudest sounds are difficult to detect.
Its main signs or symptoms are:
- Difficulty hearing conversations, especially in noisy environments.
- The television or radio is turned up louder than normal.
- You feel like you can hear but don’t understand.
- You have to repeat yourself frequently or speak louder than normal.
- You have ringing or whistling in your ears.
How are hearing problems diagnosed?
Early detection will always be the best tool.
The initial evaluation should consist of a review by a specialist and an audiological study led by pure-tone audiometry, the test that is responsible for detecting the degree of hearing loss.
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Main hearing problems and deafness
Hearing loss
It is the decrease in hearing capacity (mild, moderate, severe or profound).
Presbycusis
It is age-related hearing loss, generally affecting people over 65 years of age.
Tinnitus
It is the sensation of noise or ringing in the ears, without an external source.
Otosclerosis
It is a disease of the middle ear that causes hearing loss.
Acoustic trauma
Exposure to loud noises can damage the inner ear and cause hearing loss.
Ear infections
Such as otitis media or externa, can cause pain and temporary hearing loss.
Middle ear problems
They could be caused by some types of otitis.
Risk factors
- Age: Hearing loss is more common in people over 65 years of age.
- Prolonged exposure to loud noises.
- Family history of hearing loss.
- Some diseases: Infections such as meningitis, otosclerosis, Ménière’s syndrome, among others.
- Medications: Some medications, such as aminoglycoside antibiotics, can be ototoxic.
- Infections during pregnancy: rubella.
- Low birth weight: Babies with low birth weight have a higher risk of hearing loss.
- Use of headphones: Listening to loud music with headphones can increase the risk of hearing damage.
- Noisy jobs: Workers exposed to loud noises, such as construction or music, have a higher risk of hearing loss. risk.
Yes, it is possible to have hearing problems without knowing it since some people may experience gradual hearing loss, which may go unnoticed at first. In addition, the brain can adapt to hearing loss by compensating with the healthy ear or by using lip reading to better understand.
SOME SIGNS THAT MAY INDICATE HEARING PROBLEMS ARE:
• Difficulty hearing in noisy environments
• Needing to turn up the volume on the television or devices
• Difficulty understanding telephone conversations
• Feeling that people are speaking in a low voice or with their mouth closed
• Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds, such as the telephone ringing
• Hearing fatigue, straining to hear and understand
1. Genetics
2. Age: Presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss, is common.
3. Exposure to loud noises.
4. Ear infections: Middle ear infections (otitis media) can cause hearing loss.
5. Wax buildup: Wax plug in the ear can block sound waves.
6. Medications: Some antibiotics, chemotherapy, and other medications can damage hearing.
7. Head or neck injuries: Trauma can affect the inner ear or auditory nerve.
8. Infections during pregnancy: Infections such as rubella, toxoplasmosis, among others.
1. Protect your ears from noise: Use appropriate ear protectors for noisy environments, such as concerts or working with machinery.
2. Maintain proper ear hygiene: Avoid inserting objects into your ears and clean the outside with a soft cloth.
3. Get regular checkups: Visit the audiologist for a preventive checkup.
4. Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Overweight and obesity can increase the risk of hearing loss.
5. Avoid exposure to toxic substances: Some chemicals can damage hearing.
6. Avoid smoking: Smoking can increase the risk of hearing loss.
7. Keep blood pressure under control: High blood pressure can increase the risk of hearing loss.
8. Avoid exposure to loud noise: Keep the volume of music and television at a reasonable level.
9. Use headphones sparingly: Do not listen to music with headphones for long periods.
10. Learn about hearing and its risks
Hearing aids are high-tech electronic devices whose function is to amplify sound signals to allow better hearing, communication and improved quality of life for those who use them.
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