Hearing Loss – Prevention & Management
According to a report published by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in May 2021, hearing loss is on the rise worldwide. Today, 1 in every 5 people suffers from hearing loss and by 2050, it is expected to increase to 1 in every 4 people, i.e. 2.5 billion people worldwide. And in India, approximately 63 million people suffer from significant hearing loss today.
Dr.S.Govindaraj, Senior ENT Consultant, Apollo Specialty Hospitals, Vanagaram, tells us that almost one-third of this hearing loss is noise induced and preventable with early identification and management. He emphasises the need to practice safe listening every day.
- How does noise affect the ears?
Exposure to loud sounds over 85 decibels(dB) for long periods, typically experienced in factories can cause acoustic trauma, damaging the nerve cells and the tiny hair cells of the cochlea (inner ear). Ear phone usage by IT professionals, students and teachers attending online classes over a prolonged time, can also cause acoustic trauma. Once damaged, these hair cells cannot regenerate. Depending on the volume, frequency, and duration of exposure to noise, it can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss or tinnitus – a constant buzzing, ringing, whistling, or hissing sound in the ears.
- Why is early identification and management key?
Hearing loss is usually slow in onset, but progresses for as long as the noise exposure continues. Awareness of early warning signs and seeking immediate medical help is key to restoring hearing. Here are two recent case studies.
Case 1: A teenager had spent several hours a day watching movies and listening to music with a headphone. Her parents brought her for a consultation after prolonged exposure for a month. An audiological evaluation revealed complete and irreversible sensorineural hearing loss.
Case 2: An IT professional who experienced sudden and complete loss of hearing sought medical help within a day. With medical treatment, the patient recovered completely.
- What are some early warning signs of hearing loss?
Ringing sound in ears, muffled voices and household sounds, difficulty in following conversations in noisy surroundings or on phone, asking people to repeat themselves, etc. Anyone experiencing these symptoms must approach the doctor within 24-72 hours of onset of symptoms.
- How can you protect yourself from hearing loss?
Practicing safe listening by restricting the usage of cell phones and audio devices, avoiding noisy environments, and taking short listening breaks in a quiet corner will help you prevent hearing loss. It is advisable to undergo regular screening check-ups throughout your life time for early identification and management.
- How often must you screen for hearing loss?
The first screening is done immediately after birth. We use behavioural screening to ascertain if the infant is responding to sounds like clapping and whispers. If this fails, diagnostic tests like Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) test help us evaluate the functioning of the hair cells in the inner ear and the Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR) evaluation helps assess if the auditory nerve is transmitting hearing signals to the brain. Interventions if any must be initiated within 6 months to 1 year of age.
For school children, hearing screening must be part of routine health check-ups in kindergarten; and grades 1, 2, 3, 7 and 11. Adults in the age group of 18-50 must screen at least once every 10 years and those over 50 must screen every 3 years.
Physical examination with an Otoscope will reveal infections of the outer ear and the Pure Tone Air Conduction hearing test will help determine if hearing is within the target threshold. Else, we undertake a comprehensive audiological evaluation to classify the hearing loss and assess if medical or surgical interventions or hearing aids are feasible solutions. Middle ear blockages and malfunctions can be identified with the Tympanometry test. There are many screening tests that we use depending on the nature of the hearing loss.
- What are the treatment options for hearing loss?
Profound sensorineural hearing loss is irreversible and cannot be treated with medication or surgery. Those affected can benefit from cochlear implants as it bypasses damaged or nonworking parts of the inner ear and directly stimulates the hearing nerves. But conductive hearing loss can be treated through surgical procedures. Patients with chronic discharging ears (CSOM) can benefit from Mastoidectomy & Tympanoplasty surgeries. These surgeries can improve the conduction of sound through the middle ear bones or ossicles. People with otosclerosis (Fixed Stapes ossicle) benefit from a Stapedectomy, a surgical procedure that implants a prosthetic device designed to conduct sound through the ossicles and into the inner ear. We have seen good results with the above procedures in the last 20 years.
Loss of hearing has a profound impact on your quality of life, relationships, and cognitive abilities. It is possible to have good hearing across the life course with regular check-ups and practicing safe listening.
For further details, call: 9790803005
