Deafness

Table of Contents

Other names

Hearing Loss
Auditory Impairment
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Conductive Hearing Loss

Synopsis

Deafness refers to partial or complete loss of hearing in one or both ears. It can affect the ability to detect sound volume, pitch, or clarity and can range from mild hearing difficulty to total hearing absence. Deafness can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired (developed later due to illness, injury, aging, or environmental exposure).

There are two main types of deafness:

  • Conductive hearing loss: Caused by problems with the outer or middle ear that block sound transmission (e.g., earwax buildup, ear infections, otosclerosis).

  • Sensorineural hearing loss: Caused by damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or auditory nerve, often irreversible (e.g., noise exposure, aging, viral infections).
    Some individuals have mixed hearing loss, a combination of both types.

Types of Deafness:

  • Congenital Deafness: Genetic or prenatal factors.

  • Acquired Deafness: From aging (presbycusis), infections, trauma, or noise exposure.

  • Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL): Rapid onset, often considered an emergency.

  • Progressive Hearing Loss: Gradual deterioration over time.

Common Causes:

  • Genetic mutations (e.g., connexin 26 gene mutations)

  • Infections (measles, mumps, rubella, CMV)

  • Chronic ear infections or otitis media

  • Trauma to the head or ear

  • Loud noise exposure (industrial or recreational)

  • Aging (presbycusis)

  • Ototoxic medications (certain antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs)

  • Autoimmune inner ear disease

  • Blockages (earwax buildup)

Severity Factors:

  • Early-onset deafness impacts speech and language development if untreated

  • Degree of hearing loss (mild, moderate, severe, profound) affects communication ability

  • Duration before diagnosis and intervention can influence outcomes

  • Bilateral (both ears) deafness generally more disabling than unilateral (one ear)

When to See a Doctor:

  • Sudden hearing loss (urgent)

  • Difficulty understanding conversations, especially in noisy environments

  • Frequently needing higher volume on devices

  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) accompanying hearing changes

  • Ear fullness, pain, or discharge

  • Developmental concerns in children's speech or hearing milestones

Natural Remedies

Avoid loud noise exposure: Use hearing protection when necessary.

Limit use of ototoxic medications: Consult healthcare providers when possible alternatives exist.

Ear hygiene: Clean gently; avoid inserting objects deep into ears.

Maintain cardiovascular health: Good blood flow supports cochlear function.

Manage infections early: Treat ear infections promptly.

Nutritional support: Antioxidant-rich diets may protect against age-related hearing loss.