Introduction

Hearing problems are a growing concern in our modern society, where our environment is increasingly noisy. Whether due to constant exposure to high noise levels or not, hearing problems can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. Hearing problems are neglected, and there are still misconceptions and stigmas associated with these disorders. In this article, we will talk about the make-up of the ear, the causes and symptoms that characterise them, the consequences, and the means of prevention and treatment to protect hearing.

The components of the ear

The ear is made up of three main parts: The outer, middle and inner ear.

The outer ear is the perceptible part of the ear. Its job is to receive sound and understand where it comes from. It comprises the ear canal, the eardrum, the pinna, etc. The purpose of the ear canal is to direct sound towards the eardrum, the eardrum in turn receives sound waves and transmits them to the middle ear, and the pinna intercepts noise in all directions. The purpose of the middle ear is to defend the inner ear and ensure that sound is transmitted and intensified. The inner ear is made up of the cells that enable sound to be picked up, including the cochlea and the vestibular system. The cochlea transports sound waves and the vestibular system sends balance signals to the brain. A problem with the inner ear can affect hearing, balance, or both hearing and balance.

The main causes and symptoms of hearing problems

There are many causes, the first of which is ageing, as hearing cells deteriorate with age. This type of hearing problem is called presbycusis and is natural. The person suffering from presbycusis will make you repeat what you say several times. There is also auditory trauma, which is a cause of hearing problems that occur when you are exposed to high-powered noise. It can manifest itself as headaches, sudden loss of hearing, dizziness, loss of balance, etc. Antibiotics can also affect the auditory system, with the side effect of loss of balance.

Impact of hearing impairment, Treatment and Prevention

Hearing difficulties have a negative impact on the lives of those who suffer from them. They are a mental, physical, social and psychological handicap. On a mental and physical level, sufferers will experience headaches, loss of balance, common fatigue, etc. Psychologically, there is a risk of depression, as well as feelings of shame and lack of self-confidence, etc. Social relations with others will also be affected, with sufferers becoming isolated and developing difficulties in communicating with others.

We recommend that you consult an audiologist, even if, in some regions, it is rare to find one. This health professional will be able to assess your hearing and suggest a suitable treatment, depending on the cause of your hearing problems.

Treatment may vary depending on the hearing problem, and may involve medication, hearing aids, auditory re-education therapy, or even surgery in some cases. Don’t ignore the symptoms.

Exposure to noise is the main cause of hearing problems, so avoid places with high-intensity noise, rest your ears after exposure to noise, limit the use of headphones to reasonable sound levels, and avoid listening to them at full volume for long periods.

Conclusion

The ear is important because it contains the organs responsible for our sense of balance and the coordination of our movements. Without good hearing function, quality of life could be greatly affected, whether socially, professionally, or emotionally. It is therefore essential to take care of your ears by avoiding excessively loud noises, avoiding putting objects inside the ear, and consulting a health professional if you have hearing problems. Hearing problems can have consequences for our health.