Hearing
loss is a common reason to visit an ENT.
Hearing loss may occur from the inability of sound to get
to the hearing nerve or from damage to the hearing nerve
itself.
Frequently, hearing is impaired
because sound does not travel well to the hearing nerve.
This type of hearing loss is called conductive hearing loss.
The most common cause of conductive hearing loss is fluid
in the middle ear space. This may occur secondary to a sinus
infection, cold or severe allergies. All of these cause
swelling in the nose, which creates negative pressure in
the middle ear, causing fluid accumulation. Usually, this
fluid will resolve itself within several weeks. Decongestants,
antihistamines and antibiotics can hasten the resolution
of the accumulation. Occasionally fluid will persist in
the middle ear space for a longer period of time. Fluid
persisting longer than 3 months will rarely resolve. To
remove the fluid, your ENT will make a small drainage hole
in the eardrum and possible place a temporary tube. The
hole heals itself within 2 weeks, leaving no permanent hearing
loss.
Hearing loss may also occur from
damage to the hearing nerve. This type of hearing loss is
called sensorineural hearing loss and is usually irreversible.
The most common cause for sensorineural hearing loss is
noise exposure. Some sensorineural hearing loss is inherited.
This may occur even when both parents have normal hearing.
Certain chemotherapeutic agents and intraveneous antibiotics
may also cause hearing loss. Rarely, an inner ear fluid
imbalance may lead to hearing loss.
If the hearing loss is severe, a
hearing aid may be of benefit. Hearing aid technology has
improved significantly in the past 10 years, allowing selective
amplification of certain pitched sounds. Hearing aids have
also markedly decreased in size.
At White Rock ENT, our audiologists
are experienced in the fitting and maintenance of most hearing
aids. They are available for questions at audiologycenterofdallas@hotmail.com
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