About Hearing Loss

There are two basic types of hearing loss; conductive and sensorineural.

These involve physical issues that prevent sound moving through the outer and middle ear.

• Obstructions in the ear canal such as wax, haematoma (blood collection), foreign bodies (common in children!) and otitis externa (ear canal infection). See your audiologist or GP.
• Perforated ear drum caused by direct trauma including such things as cotton buds, infections, explosions - some remain permanent and some can heal naturally. Most can be operated on. See your audiologist or GP.
• Middle ear damage usually from head injuries, middle infections or a disease called otosclerosis. Most can be operated on.
• Otitis Media - a middle ear infection best caught early to prevent the above.

These are from damage to the hair cells in the inner ear or the nerves responsible for carrying nerve impulses to the brain.

• Acoustic Trauma from prolonged exposure to noise or sudden very loud sounds.
• Barotrauma from adverse pressure conditions common in divers and pilots.
• Head Trauma disrupting the nerves of the auditiory system usually from fractures of the temporal bone.
• Ototoxic Drugs can affect the hearing by damaging the hair cells and nerve fibres. Large doses or prolonged use of the following are common:
• • Antibiotics including aminoglycocides such as gentamicin abd vancomycin being common culprits.
  • Diuretics, especially furosimide and ethacrynic acid.
  • Salicylates such as aspirin and non-steroidal anti-imflammatories including ibuprofen and naproxen.
  • Antineoplastics, mainly cancer medications.
• Vascular Diseases including sickle cell disease, diabetes, leukemia, polycythemia and other diseases where excessive blood clotting occurs.
• Kidney Diseases in adults and children are more susceptable.
• Menieres Disease is a type of labrythitis that affects hearing and balance usually associated with tinnitus, nausea and vomiting caused by vertigo. The cause is unknown.
• Acoustic Neuromas are tumors in the auditory nerve that almost always cause tinnitus. They are extremely rare!