Hearing Loss Overview:
One of the most prevalent disabilities in the modern world is hearing loss. It is common knowledge that having the capacity to hear will empower us and enable us to go about our daily lives pleasantly and without any restrictions. It genuinely makes it possible for us to socialise in both our personal and professional lives.
It was found that 2 out of every 4 persons between the ages of 65 and 70 and 1 out of every 4 youngsters in India suffer from hearing loss. One in two adults over 75 years old now suffer from this illness.
It's crucial to comprehend how the ear functions before learning more about the different types and causes of hearing loss.
Types of Hearing Test
Pure Tone Audiometry
This test establishes a patient's hearing capacity in relation to various sound frequencies or pitches. An audiogram, often known as a graph indicating hearing sensitivity, plots the softest heard sounds. This data aids in quantifying hearing loss and is a criterion for eligibility for hearing devices.
Speech Audiometry
Consists of two separate examinations. The patient is instructed to learn a set of two-syllable words before being asked to repeat them back at progressively louder volumes until they are no longer heard by the patient. The validity of pure tone audiometry is assessed using this test. The second examination is known as Word Recognition (WR). To assess the patient's comprehension of speech in a good listening environment, a one-syllable word is repeated to them at a comfortable hearing level. WR testing is also an important indicator of hearing device candidacy and can help predict success with amplification.
Tympanometry
Gives valuable details on the health of the middle and outer ear system, including ear canal volume, ear canal pressure, and the ear drum's ability to move back and forth.
Acoustic Reflex Testing (ARTs)
demonstrates how the ossicles, which are the middle ear's muscles, contract in reaction to loud noises.
Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) Testing
The cochlea, the hearing organ, contains an objective test that evaluates the health of the outer hair cells. Infants and young children who are unable to participate in conventional pure tone audiometry can be tested using OAEs. It can be a helpful tool in the diagnosis procedure because OAEs are typically present in people with normal hearing.
Baseline Hearing Test
All of the previously mentioned services are part of a baseline hearing test. The results will be used to make future comparisons about change of hearing abilities over time. All individuals should get a baseline hearing test before they become aware of a hearing issue. Following a baseline evaluation, the audiologist will suggest additional treatments, such as hearing aids, annual hearing re-evaluations, or a referral to a medical professional.
Types of Hearing Loss
Conductive Hearing Loss
The disorder known as conductive hearing loss affects the middle or outer ear and keeps sound from getting to the inner ear. With a visit to an ENT specialist, this is typically treatable with medications or surgeries. Hearing aids are also advised in some specific circumstances.
01Loss of Sensorineural Hearing
When the inner ear or nerve supplying the inner ear is hurt or damaged, sensory hearing loss results. A consultation with an audiologist can help you locate the ideal hearing aid because this is most frequently found in elderly persons. Before making a purchase, a hearing aid trial is essential.
02Uncertain Hearing Loss
Mixed hearing loss, which affects the inner, middle, and/or outer ear, combines sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. Options for treatment vary on the type, severity, and underlying cause of the hearing loss.
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