Hearing Loss Causes And Symptoms

If you are suffering from hearing loss, even if it's just temporary, it can be a very frustrating experience. Hearing loss may come on suddenly, or may be a gradual process. It can be a mild case, or it could result in difficulty having conversations, or even worse, permanent deafness. When you see your medical doctor, they will look to see how fast your hearing loss is progressing in order to determine the correct treatment for your hearing issues. This article will give you a brief overview on how hearing loss happens, and when you should seek medical treatment.

Causes of Hearing Loss

While there are many ways hearing loss can happen, these are some of the more common reasons you may find yourself with a hearing problem. 

• Sudden hearing loss could be because of inflammation, blood circulation issues, or trauma.
• Gradual hearing loss could be attributed to aging. 
• If there are other problems you are experience neurologically such as tinnitus, or even vertigo, this could be an indication you have a problem with the nerves in your ears. 
• Ear infections and other obstructions in the ear canal can cause a temporary hearing loss. 

It will probably be difficult for you to determine the overall cause of your hearing loss, but this gives you a general idea of what could cause hearing problems. You should see your doctor for more information. 

Symptoms that Medical Intervention is Needed

If you are experiencing the following issues, even without hearing loss, you'll want to see your doctor as soon as possible.

• Symptoms like vertigo or ringing in the ears. 
• You are experiencing severe pain or have a fever. 
• You are on medication that seems to be interfering with your hearing. 
• You have a sudden and lengthy hearing loss. This is usually treated quickly, so it's best to call your doctor as soon as you begin experiencing these symptoms.

Lastly, it's very important for you to seek medical attention if you experience any of the following: 

• Blood of fluid coming from your ear 
• If you've been through any pressure changes, like diving or flying 
• Fever that can't be controlled with acetaminophen or ibuprofen 
• If you've experienced severe trauma to the ears or head 

Corrective measures for any hearing loss could be a temporary fix, or you may need to seek the assistance of hearing aids. The most important thing is getting to your doctor to determine the cause of your hearing loss, and to make sure you do not have any other underlying medical issues. Talk to your local audiologist, such as Audiologists Northwest, for more information.