Hearing loss is officially defied as the inability to hear. Those effected, are typically referred to as hard of hearing and can occur in one or both ears. In adults, hearing loss can result in work-related difficulties and in children, it can cause learning problems. It is important to know what causes hearing loss, what an audiologist is, types of hearing aids and physiological issues with hearing loss.
Causes of Hearing Loss
There are multiple causes of hearing loss including ageing, disorders, genetics, noise and perinatal problems. As human’s age, hearing loss progressively occurs due to the inability to hear high frequencies. Disorders such as strokes, multiple sclerosis, perilymph fistula and viral infections can all cause hearing problems. Also, hearing loss can be genetically inherited. Loud noises causes almost half of hearing loss cases. Finally, fetal alcohol spectrum and premature birth can affect hearing.
What is an Audiologist?
An audiologist is a medical professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating auditory disorders as well as the vestibular system of the ear. They can recommend hearing aids, counsel families through new diagnosis, create education programs and implement newborn hearing screening programs.
Hearing Aids
Hearing aids are electroacoustic devices designed to amplify sounds for the wearer which are hearing solutions. There are numerous types including, behind-the-ear, body worn, bone-anchored, disposable, eyeglass, extended wear, in-the-ear, invisible, open-fit, personal programmable and stethoscope aids.
Physiological Issues with Hearing Loss
Physically, there are two types of physiological hearing loss: conductive and sensorineural. Conductive hearing loss is caused by fixation of the bones in the middle of the ear that interrupts the bone chain. This is typically the result of a severe infection or head trauma. Sensorineural hearing loss involves an impairment of the nerves which limits loudness and clarity. This is caused by damage to the feather-like hair cells from an extended period of high levels of noise.