Understanding Sudden Hearing Loss

The ear has two major functions in the body. One function is for hearing and the other one is for balance. These two functions are due to the vestibulochoclear nerve that is innervating in the inner ear. Hearing impairments like sudden hearing loss can be caused by different factors. Sudden hearing loss is the loss of hearing in a rapid pace or in a short period of time. A hearing loss is considered sudden if it rapidly happens within three days or less.

The ear is composed of the outer ear which is also called a pinna. It is composed of cartilages covered with skin. It is attached to the temporal bone at the level of the eye. The external ear canal has cerumen or wax-like substance that protects the middle ear from external factors like invading microorganisms. The sound that goes inside the ear first travels through the external canal, then through the tympanic membrane of the middle ear. In the middle ear, the sound goes through the malleus, incus and stapes – the three bony ossicles of the middle ear. This is also the place where the Eustachian tube is located. The Eustachian tube drains the secretion of the middle ear and it is connected to the nose of a person. After passing the ossicles, the sound then goes through the round and oval window which separates the middle and the inner ear. In the inner ear, the sound vibrations are converted into a nerve impulse by the cochlea. This nerve impulse is then sent to the brain for interpretation.

Most hearing loss is attributed to two events. It is either sensorineural or conductive hearing loss. But for profound hearing loss it is sometimes termed as a mixed conductive-sensorineural. In sensorineural, it is said that the cause of the hearing loss is the inability of the cranial nerve to transmit the nerve impulses converted by the cochlea. Sometimes, the problem is in the cochlea itself, when it can’t convert the sound vibrations into nerve impulses. On the other hand, conductive hearing loss happens when there is a problem in conducting the sound waves from one part of the ear to another. An example of this is the hardening of the ear drum or tympanic membrane. It could not transmit the sound waves from the outer ear into the middle ear because its normal elasticity is lost. Other malfunction and malformation of any part of the outer and middle ear can cause conductive hearing loss. A combination of the two types of hearing loss is a very serious disease and management might be difficult.

Sudden hearing loss could be senrorineural or conductive. Whatever the case may be, it is important to contact a doctor for examination of such disease. This should be done so that immediate management is done and thus, preventing further damage.

The Best Cures for Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a condition that is characterized by internal sounds being heard within the ear. The sounds can some in many different forms such as ringing, whooshing, or even pulsing. It is most often caused by another condition or injury. Tinnitus is not a disease, and many people actually categorize it as a symptom of another problem.  The cures for tinnitus are often a direct result of treatment for the underlying problem. Consider the following options based on the cause of tinnitus.

Cures for Tinnitus that is brought on by blood conditions. When a blood condition such as high blood pressure or atherosclerosis is the cause of Tinnitus you may require a prescription medication. Your physician will need to control the flow of your blood in order to get rid of the internal sounds you are hearing.

Cures for Tinnitus that is a result of fluid build up in the middle ear. In this case you may need to use ear drops to help relieve the fluid. There are also many other options depending on the severity of the condition and the cause of the fluid. However, one of the simplest techniques your doctor should recommend is holding your nose and closing your mouth and blowing out. This is commonly referred to as making your ears “pop”. This is often an easy way to dislodge the water out of the middle ear.

Cures for Tinnitus that is a result of hearing loss. Many people suffer from tinnitus in old age due to hearing loss. In this case, a hearing aid can often help to mask the sounds heard inside the ear. It will not stop the sounds, but with the amplified sound of external sounds, the noise will not be heard.

Cures for Tinnitus when the cause is a build up of earwax. Many people suffer from excess earwax and in many cases, the cause is not known. If this is causing you to suffer with tinnitus, you may need to see a physician. In the case of too much earwax, you may need to have your ears professionally flushed out in the doctor’s office. When this is the cause, removing the wax will often alleviate the problem.

Cures for Tinnitus if the condition is brought on by medication that you have been prescribed. If you believe that one of your prescription medications may be the cause of your condition, you should speak to your care provider. Never quit taking a prescription drug without being advised to do so by a doctor. In many cases, lowering a dosage may be effective, rather than stopping the medicine all together.

Cures for Tinnitus when the cause is due to exposure to loud noises. Tinnitus can be caused from prolonged exposure to loud noise. If this is the cause of your condition, you should wear earplugs anytime you will be in a loud environment. You might also consider a headphone style radio to block out the noise.