Hearing loss is a problem that affects more and more people. One only has to see how establishments that treat hearing problems proliferate in our cities, including the efforts of advertising campaigns so that we take more account of a condition that in many cases can be treated. According to the WHO, some 275 million people in the world suffer from hearing defects, including deafness, and half of the cases could be prevented with adequate primary care.
Types of deafness
- Although any hearing defect is usually called deafness, it must be clarified that deafness refers only to those cases in which the hearing loss is total, while other hearing defects may present partial loss.
- If the problem that causes the deafness is in the external or middle ear, it is called conductive deafness and it is generally easy to treat. If, on the contrary, the problem occurs in the inner ear, we speak of sensor neural deafness that is usually permanent.
- In any case, hearing defects must be considered in their entirety, since it is not only a physical problem, but rather the isolation to which the person suffering from deafness is subjected can lead them to suffer certain psychological disorders.
Causes of deafness
- The causes that produce deafness are very varied and come from various fields. They can be both genetic and environmental causes. Indeed, many cases of deafness are hereditary or are caused by a problem during childbirth, such as premature birth, asphyxia or illness of the mother during pregnancy. Some diseases suffered in childhood, such as meningitis or measles, can also cause hearing loss, which is why medical attention in childhood is essential.
- Other causes of deafness can be chronic ear infections, a reaction to an antibiotic, or a head injury. Excessive noise, either from listening to music that is too loud, or from working in a noisy environment with machines, can significantly impair hearing. But one of the most common causes of deafness is aging.
Prevention and treatment of deafness
- Half of the cases of hearing defects can be prevented by following appropriate strategies. Vaccination of children against diseases such as meningitis, measles and rubella, as well as screening during pregnancy should be followed in all cases and conditions.
- More specific legislation on occupational risk prevention would be appropriate to prevent workers from spending a long time exposed to a level of noise that is harmful to health. And at the primary care level, more information is needed for the patient on proper hygiene habits to maintain hearing capacity.
- Treatments for deafness vary depending on the cause that produced it. Some cases may require surgical intervention, but in many cases it is necessary to resort to cochlear implants or hearing aids. In any case, it should be remembered that early detection of a hearing problem can prevent many complications in the future.