Patients with Hearing Loss should be investigated. The common causes of Hearing Loss are:
Problems involving the outer ear
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Ear wax impaction
Foreign body in the ear
Ear canal narrowing (developmental abnormality or a result of repeated ear canal trauma) |
Problems involving the middle ear
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Ear drum hole
Middle ear infection
Fluid in the middle ear, usually caused by nasal infection
Abnormal middle ear bone (ossicles)
Barotrauma (middle ear pressure induced Hearing Loss) |
Problems involving the inner ear
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Age-related hearing nerve degeneration
Hearing nerve degeneration from exposure to excessive loud noise
Drug-induced hearing nerve degeneration
Hearing Loss from viral infection
Birth related Hearing Loss
Hearing nerve damage from previous head injury |
What tests are required?
A thorough physical examination and hearing test will often be adequate to help a clinician make a definitive diagnosis. Occasionally, radiological imaging may be required to visualize the middle and inner ear more to rule out abnormal growth.
What are the treatment options?
Hearing Loss can frequently be restored with the eradication of the cause. In cases involving irreversible damage to ear structures, such as Hearing Loss from nerve degeneration, hearing aids may be required to help patients hear. An audiologist will assist in the fitting of suitable hearing aids. |