A small number of people experience early-onset hearing loss in their lifetime. It impedes the person's ability to interpret and understand words and affects the overall quality of life. Properly educating yourself about the probable causes of this occurrence will help you gain the right perspective if ever it happens to you or a loved one. It also helps you to find possible options to best manage this condition right from the start.
The Causes of Early-Onset Hearing Loss
The normal mechanism of sound is when waves travel to the ear canal, which in turn causes vibration of the eardrums. This vibrating sound magnifies movement all the way to the tiny bones of the middle ear as it causes a wave of fluid in the inner ear. The fluid causes movement of the hair cells that, in turn, sends electrical signals to the brain that can be transmitted as sound.
Most types of hearing loss are due to the damage of structures either in the inner or middle ear. There are a number of conditions that cause this, including:
Traumatic Brain Injury
A hit on the head can injure the brain and can also affect the normal mechanism of the ear itself.
Otosclerosis
This is an affectation in the middle ear where there is an abnormal bone growth. It stops the bones in the middle ear from moving.
Ménière's Disease
Ménière's disease is a progressively debilitating disease often related to an abnormal amount of fluid present in the inner ear. Symptoms include a constant ringing noise in the ear as well as constant fullness and sensitivity to noise. It eventually leads to permanent hearing loss.
Acoustic Neuroma
This is caused by a tumor that grows in the middle or inner ear that leads to constant ringing, vertigo, and loss of balance.
Autoimmune Ear Disease
This disease causes dramatic and sudden hearing loss, where the body's own immune system targets the inner ear.
Noise Induced
Loud noises can cause trauma to the inner ear, leading to damage of hair cells. If these cells die, this can lead to hearing loss.
What Should You Do?
If ever you suspect that you have early onset-hearing loss, seek help from a doctor and an audiologist immediately. An audiologist is a medical professional that specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the ear. These trained health professionals can give you insight on how to best manage your condition. You might first mention your hearing issues during your next well checks since a primary care physician can do a preliminary hearing test and refer you to the specialist if needed.
Contact a medical service like Kids First Pediatrics Of Fayetteville for more information and assistance.
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