Hearing Loss Specialists in Block E, Nirman Vihar, Delhi

What is Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss is a partial or complete inability to hear sounds in one or both ears, ranging from mild difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments to profound deafness. It is broadly classified into conductive hearing loss, caused by problems in the outer or middle ear that block sound transmission, and sensorineural hearing loss, caused by damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve pathways to the brain. It can be present from birth, develop gradually with age or noise exposure, or occur suddenly due to infection, trauma, or vascular events. Hearing loss can significantly affect communication, social engagement, and in children, speech and language development if not addressed promptly.

Causes of Hearing Loss

Conductive hearing loss is commonly caused by earwax buildup, fluid from ear infections, eardrum perforation, or abnormalities of the small bones in the middle ear. Sensorineural hearing loss most often results from age-related degeneration of the inner ear's hair cells, prolonged exposure to loud noise, certain medications toxic to the ear, viral infections, or genetic factors. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss can occur due to vascular events, viral infections, or autoimmune inner ear disease and constitutes an urgent medical evaluation.

Symptoms of Hearing Loss

difficulty understanding speech especially in noisy environments, frequently asking others to repeat themselves, need to turn up television or device volume, muffled hearing, ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus), withdrawal from conversations and social situations, difficulty hearing on the phone

Treatment & Types of Hearing Loss in Block E, Nirman Vihar, Delhi

Treatment depends on the type and cause; conductive causes such as earwax or middle ear fluid are addressed by removal or drainage, while structural problems may require surgical repair. Sensorineural hearing loss is typically managed with hearing aids that amplify sound, and cochlear implants are used for severe to profound hearing loss when hearing aids provide insufficient benefit. Sudden hearing loss requires prompt evaluation, as early treatment with corticosteroids can improve the chance of recovery.

Hearing loss is classified as conductive, caused by problems in the outer or middle ear that block sound transmission, and sensorineural, caused by damage to the inner ear's hair cells or auditory nerve, with a combination of both called mixed hearing loss. It is also described by onset as congenital, present from birth, gradual or age-related, or sudden, the latter being a medical emergency that requires urgent evaluation for the best chance of recovery.

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