SYMPTOMS

What is hearing loss? What are the symptoms?

Hearing loss, clinically referred to as "deafness," is a reduction in hearing ability caused by the suppression or impairment of auditory function.

Hearing loss is not a disease itself but rather a symptom caused by certain related conditions.

The ear's structure consists of the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear. The ear's internal structures can be imagined as a precisely connected mechanism that converts sound into signals transmitted to the brain. Certain factors can interfere with the transmission of sound from the outer ear to the inner ear, leading to hearing loss. These factors include infections, toxins, genetics, tumors, personal health conditions, environmental factors, and more.

Hearing loss may affect one ear or both ears. It can occur suddenly in a short period or develop slowly over time. Hearing loss may also be accompanied by symptoms such as tinnitus, ear fullness, ear pain, ear discharge, dizziness, and others.

TREATMENT

Can hearing loss be restored?

Hearing loss is generally treated by doctors through comprehensive measures based on the condition. Most cases require treatment to restore or improve hearing, or to slow further deterioration. If the hearing loss is mild and does not affect daily life, treatment may not be necessary. However, medical evaluation and tests should still be conducted to determine the extent of hearing loss, rule out other diseases, and decide whether treatment is needed.

What tests are needed for hearing loss?

• Routine ear examinations, such as otoscopy or pneumatic otoscopy.

• Various hearing tests (e.g., speech audiometry, tuning fork tests, pure-tone audiometry, otoacoustic emissions, auditory brainstem response).

• Related tests like tympanometry and stapedial reflex.

• Ear and nasal endoscopy.

• Imaging tests (e.g., CT, MRI).

• If dizziness is present, vestibular function tests like electronystagmography or caloric testing may be required.

• Pathological examination. If a mass is found, a biopsy may be needed to determine its nature.

Doctors may select one or several tests based on the condition.

How to prevent and care for hearing loss?

• Exercise regularly, maintain a balanced schedule, and prevent colds.

• Follow a healthy, balanced diet.

• Pay attention to mental health.

• Avoid noisy environments and prolonged headphone use.

• Avoid unnecessary ear cleaning.

• Minimize the use of ototoxic drugs like streptomycin or gentamicin. Inform your doctor if you have a history of hearing loss.

• Actively treat related conditions, such as rhinitis, diabetes, or hypertension.

DIAGNOSIS

When should you go to the hospital for hearing loss?

The following situations may indicate hearing loss, and you should seek medical attention promptly if they occur:

• Difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments;

• Ear infections causing ear pain or discharge;

• Frequently asking others to repeat instructions or conversations;

• Tinnitus, ear pain, etc.;

• Speaking louder than usual;

• Dizziness and loss of balance;

• Unwillingness to engage in conversations.

POTENTIAL DISEASES

What are the possible causes of hearing loss?

According to WHO estimates, there are currently 538 million people worldwide with hearing loss, which can be divided into 3 types:

• Sensorineural hearing loss, including causes related to the inner ear, cochlea, or auditory nerve.

• Conductive hearing loss, including any factors that reduce sound transmission from the outer ear to the inner ear. Examples: earwax blockage, middle ear fluid, or ossicular chain fixation (immobility of the auditory ossicles).

• Mixed hearing loss, which is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.

The causes of hearing loss vary by type and may include:

• External ear factors: Congenital atresia or stenosis of the ear canal, otitis externa (bacterial or fungal infections, etc.), trauma to the outer ear caused by fractures, tumors (such as squamous cell carcinoma, osteoma, benign polyps, etc.), or earwax blockage.

• Middle ear factors: Eustachian tube dysfunction, otitis media, cholesteatoma, tympanic membrane perforation, or barotrauma from activities like diving.

• Inner ear factors: Congenital cochlear malformations, presbycusis (age-related hearing loss), viral cochleitis, Ménière's disease, excessive noise exposure, iatrogenic causes (surgical trauma, drug-induced effects like tetracycline), or neurological factors such as cerebrovascular accidents.