Every day, we encounter a variety of sounds that hum, buzz, and ring, and most are at safe noise levels. However, individuals of all ages sometimes risk exposure to harmful noises that damage the sensitive structure of the inner ear and cause permanent or temporary noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Inside the ear, small hair cells transmit electrical signals to the brain. These hair cells are often harmed or completely destroyed by extremely loud noises at home, in the workplace, and as we go about living our lives. Common activities like attending rock concerts, working with shop tools, and operating lawn mowing equipment, as well as one-time occurrences like explosions, can destroy these
Hearing loss is not just hearing loss. There are actually different types of hearing loss that have been identified. Understanding these different categories of hearing loss will help determine their causes and the best path for treatment. Conductive Hearing Loss Conductive Hearing Loss occurs in the outer and/or middle ear. Common causes related to the Outer Ear include earwax or foreign objects blocking the ear canal, skin infections (e.g. “swimmers ear”), and deformity of the outer ear or ear canal. Common causes related to the Middle Ear include perforated eardrum, infection of the middle ear cavity resulting in fluid filling the normally air-filled space, and calcification or breakage o
The reason behind hearing loss has a lot to do with whether or not the hearing loss is permanent or can be reversed. One simple solution that is sometimes overlooked is excess buildup of wax that causes blockage in the ear canal. Wax blockage is an obstruction of the ear canal with wax, also called cerumen. Ear wax ,or cerumen, is produced by hair follicles and glands within the ear canal. Ear wax is helpful because it protects the ear by trapping dust, bacteria and other microorganisms, as well as other foreign particles, to prevent them from entering and damaging the ear. Ear wax also helps protect the delicate skin of the ear canal from becoming irritated when water is in the canal. The w
Keeping yours and your family’s ears safe from infection is a key ingredient to overall health and, ultimately, good hearing. Preventing ear infections begins with understanding the risk factors that increase the chances of developing them. Risk factors for ear infections include exposure to cigarette smoke, allergies, and certain birth defects (such as Down syndrome). Suggestions for preventing ear infections in children include educating yourself about the common symptoms of ear infections and not smoking around your child. Anything that increases a person’s chance of developing ear infections is called an ear infection risk factor; anything that decreases a person’s chance of developing a
