Permanent hearing loss, regardless of the cause, is called hearing loss. This is a serious disease that, if untreated, can progress quickly enough and eventually lead to a person's disability. Therefore, it is very important to diagnose it at the earliest stage in order to prevent overflowing into severe forms.
Early hearing loss symptoms
Degree 1 hearing loss is difficult to notice in a domestic environment. It is especially difficult to detect hearing loss in children in time. The observation of parents is very important here.
It is worth going for a consultation with an otolaryngologist if:
- the child has become more restless;
- while watching cartoons, asks to make the sound louder;
- does not respond to the call the first time, even if he is not keen on the game;
- often asks when they say something to him;
- the student began to make more mistakes when writing, especially in dictations.
Adults should start to worry when people around you start noticing and telling you about the signs listed above.
Also, you cannot postpone a visit to the doctor if you constantly hear tinnitus, the sounds have lost their clarity, it has become difficult to understand whispering and quiet speech, you have stopped hearing the rustle of leaves and other quiet sounds.
Diagnostics and treatment
During the initial examination, your doctor will do several tests to determine the level of your hearing loss. Mild hearing loss is diagnosed if the hearing threshold is lowered to 25-40 dB. In some cases, its reasons are absolutely commonplace: a sulfuric plug or water in the ear, a small object that has got there. After cleansing the ear canal, hearing returns, then the diagnosis of hearing loss is not made.
Most often, hearing is reduced due to complications after acute or chronic otitis media. Due to the accumulation of pus and fluid behind the eardrum, sound conduction is impaired. Then, sensorineural hearing loss of the 1st degree is diagnosed, the treatment of which is directly related to the elimination of the cause of the disease. Sometimes it helps to quickly solve the problem of a puncture of the tympanic membrane. The pus is drained out and hearing recovers fairly quickly.
If the inner ear is damaged, grade 1 conductive hearing loss occurs. The treatment of this disease is complicated by the fact that at the initial stage it is usually asymptomatic - there is no pain or other unpleasant sensations. The disease develops slowly, hearing decreases gradually. The only early signs are recurrent dizziness and slight tinnitus. Placement of the patient in a hospital in the absence of acute inflammatory processes in the ears is not required.
Treatment of hearing loss of the 1st degree is carried out on an outpatient basis, but at the same time, it is very important to follow all the doctor's prescriptions. After completing the course, it is imperative to conduct repeated studies to make sure that the disease does not progress, and hearing is restored.
Disease prevention
It is almost impossible to prevent congenital and senile hearing loss. They usually have genetic causes. You can only reduce the likelihood of developing the disease. For this, it is very important not to take any medications during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary (especially with regard to antibiotics!) And to beware of viruses and infections that can also negatively affect the development of the fetus.
So that in adulthood, hearing does not decrease rapidly, it is highly desirable to practice music, singing or dancing, during which the hearing aid is trained. In addition, following a few simple rules will preserve your ears and preserve your hearing:
- do not listen to loud music through headphones;
- do not turn on the volume at full power when watching TV;
- prevent hypothermia of the head and the whole body;
- do not stay under a running air conditioner for a long time;
- wear a hat in cold and windy weather;
- to heal all viral and infectious diseases until complete recovery.
Hearing may also decrease after taking certain medications. Therefore, never self-medicate and do not exceed the dosage of medications prescribed by your doctor. And at the first signs of hearing loss - immediately see a doctor for examination.
