There are many diseases that can impact your hearing. While some hearing problems are quite common, others, such as otitis media, Ménière's disease, conductive and seasonal hearing issues, otosclerosis and Usher syndrome, are far less well known.
Hearing loss can be confusing and scary, but at Amplifon we have the experience to help guide you towards a solution that works for your hearing profile and lifestyle.
An ear infection can also cause conductive hearing loss since it can lead to an obstruction in the middle ear. The infection can be bacterial, viral or caused by allergies, colds, sinus infections, excess mucus, smoking and changes in air pressure.
Temporary hearing loss can occur due to a few different factors. A middle ear infection could cause a hearing loss which goes away once the infection is treated. Exposure to sudden loud noises is also a leading cause of temporary hearing loss. Hearing returns to normal levels over a period of time if you are not exposed to any more sudden loud noises. Ear wax or a foreign object lodged in the ear canal could cause a temporary hearing loss also. Once the ear wax or foreign object is removed, hearing will return to normal levels.
Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common form of hearing loss and occurs when the tiny hair cells in the inner ear are damaged or when the hearing pathways to the Auditory Cortex are damaged.
Hearing loss can be associated with various chronic diseases, highlighting the interconnected nature of health conditions. Notable among these are heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). Alport syndrome, in particular, is directly linked to hearing loss due to its impact on the connective tissues involved in the auditory system. Individuals with Alport syndrome often experience progressive sensorineural hearing loss as part of their condition. Understanding these connections is essential for effective management and treatment, as addressing the underlying disease can also help mitigate its associated symptoms, including hearing impairment.