Hearing-Loss Related Illness
It is somewhat rare, but not totally unheard of, to suffer significant hearing loss from an infection, disease, or other medical complication. Infection-related hearing loss most commonly happens shortly after birth. Otitis media and otitis externa are both newborn ear infections that impact the middle and outer ear, respectively. Other conditions associated with hearing loss include auditory neuropathy, otosclerosis, tinnitus, and Meniere’s Disease. Regular visits to the audiologist are important because you never know how an illness might affect your hearing health, and catching it early can prevent hearing loss from taking over.
Birth Complications
Although it is likely that a birth defect could cause hearing loss, there are other factors leading to congenital hearing loss that were not influenced by genetics. As mentioned above, an infection can occur shortly after birth and lead to hearing loss. But there are other types of complications, like birth injuries, premature birth, or harm during the pregnancy, that could be the cause. On the other hand, the most common genetic conditions that contribute to hearing loss include Usher Syndrome, Stickler Syndrome, Neurofibromatosis Type II, and other genetic defects.
Injury
Unless an injury occurred directly to the inner ear, usually only serious injuries would cause hearing loss. A car accident, for example, could cause brain damage that might harm the auditory processing areas of the brain. On the other hand, something as simple as a cotton swab might puncture the eardrum. A punctured eardrum can heal over time, but there is a high risk of permanent hearing damage.
Contact Bay Area Audiology Today!
Ready to change the way you look at hearing loss? Our Doctor of Audiology, Dr. Trisha A. Bents Muth, is exceptionally experienced in the art of audiology, and is dedicated to providing the absolute best solutions. Bay Area Audiology has been working to give patients a comfortable environment, with thorough evaluations. We are independently owned, and unbiased when it comes to finding you the care you need.
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