Deafness - Types and Degrees. Causes and Methods of Treating Deafness

Deafness, or hearing loss, is typically a permanent condition characterized by a reduced sensitivity of the auditory organ.

Hearing problems affect almost every generation. Today's busy society contends with daily stress and is susceptible to various infections that can lead to circulatory problems. Side effects of circulatory disorders can also include accelerated aging (degenerative changes) of the auditory organ.

The most common cause of hearing loss is age. Aging is a natural process in which parts of our ear gradually wear out. Throughout the world, there is a continuous increase in the proportion of elderly individuals who are often diagnosed with deafness.

The second major cause of hearing deterioration is our everyday life in the noise that surrounds us from all sides. For many people, noise is a part of their occupational risk.

Treatment for hearing loss in adults

The question often arises: can deafness be treated? It depends on the cause of the problem and the degree of hearing loss. The following treatment methods are used:

• Removal of foreign bodies or earwax plugs.
• Treatment of infections that cause hearing damage.
• Removal of growths, if possible.
• Pharmacotherapy, if necessary.
• Use of a properly fitted hearing aid.
• Cochlear implantation.
• Other surgical interventions

The method treatment in Switzerland of treating deafness is tailored to the individual needs of the patient based on the cause and appropriate diagnostics. Treatment is carried out by an otolaryngologist. It is crucial to diagnose and treat hearing loss promptly to avoid worsening the condition.

If the cause of hearing loss is damage to the chain of auditory ossicles, it can usually be corrected or improved through surgical means surgical means.In cases of functional impairment of auditory ossicles due to otosclerosis, hearing loss can be fully or partially compensated with the help of prostheses.

If the cause of conductive hearing loss (disease of the outer or middle ear) cannot be eliminated, hearing loss can be compensated by wearing a hearing aid. If the inner ear is not completely damaged, the success of treatment with a hearing aid is typically very high.

In general, people suffering from hearing loss should be aware that hearing loss usually occurs gradually but is irreversible. It is even more important to recognize it in a timely manner and address it accordingly. Untreated hearing loss can lead not only to hearing loss but also to other symptoms such as tinnitus or dizziness. Additionally, people with untreated hearing loss often complain of chronic fatigue.

How to assess the degree of hearing loss?

To determine the extent of hearing loss, an audiometric test is necessary, which determines the threshold level of audible sounds in decibels. The higher the level, the more profound the defect:

• Mild: 20-40 dB
• Moderate: 41-65 dB
• Severe: 65-90 dB
• Profound: 91 dB

The diagnosis and treatment of ENT diseases are carried the best clinics in Switzerland at a very high level

Causes of hearing loss

• Otitis media
• Ear or head injury
• Exposure to excessively high pressure
• Blockage of the external auditory canal with earwax or foreign objects
• Otosclerosis, or ossicular dysfunction, characterized by whistling and ringing in the ears, balance problems, and muffled speech
• Tumors
• Congenital defects
• Microcirculation disorders in the inner ear caused by embolism or thrombosis
• Viral infections such as mumps, influenza, and rubella
• Poisoning with toxic substances
• Genetic predisposition
• Use of ototoxic drugs

Types of hearing loss

The following types of hearing impairments are distinguished:

• Conductive hearing loss - affects the part of the ear responsible for sound conduction, including the outer and middle ear. People with this type of hearing loss tend to hear high-pitched sounds better.
• Sensorineural hearing loss - occurs due to issues with the functioning of the cochlea, the inner ear responsible for transmitting nerve impulses, and abnormalities in the structures of the brain. Individuals with this type of hearing loss tend to hear low-pitched sounds better. An urgent condition related to sensorineural hearing loss is idiopathic, caused by sudden ischemia.
• Mixed hearing loss - characterized by structural changes in the outer or middle ear and the inner ear.

These types of hearing loss can also be categorized as bilateral (affecting both ears) or unilateral (impairing hearing in one ear).

In addition to the mentioned types of hearing loss, children may also suffer from central hearing loss.earing loss, children can also suffer from central hearing loss.