Causes of Hearing Loss
I. ConductiveA. Fluid in the middle ear from colds
Common Colds can cause fluid buildup in the Middle Ear that is due to a malfunctioning Eustachian Tube. This section begins behind the Ear Drum and extends to the Cochlea. Fluid buildup begins when the Eustachian Tube fails to open and allow the fluid to drain. The pressure from this against the eardrum effectively muffles the sounds passing through. Bacterial infections can also arise from this issue and cause further discomfort, pain and hearing loss. It appears that children are the most susceptible to this than adults are, but then it is not all that rare for adults to have this type of infection either.
Treatment?
Most infections will go away on their own. Doctors do
prescribe antibiotics to speed up the process and recommended for very young
children. Sometimes, temporary hearing loss in children can happen and may last
for several months. If you get concerned, go to your doctor!
http://www.webmd.com
Causes of Hearing Loss
I. Conductiveb. Otitis Media - middle ear infection or inflammation
You have an earache. Depending on the cause and location of the offending condition, the type of earache is either: Acute, Serous or Chronic Suppurative.
Acute is typically viral in nature, accompanied by upper
respiratory infections.
Serous, also called Otitis Media w/effusion, is simply a
collection of fluid in the middle ear caused by a failure of the Eustachian
Tubes.
Chronic Suppurative is a hole in the tympanic membrane
[eardrum] and a bacterial infection.
Children have a higher risk of permanent hearing loss though
it is not unheard of in adults as well. Early detection and treatment is
beneficial for all ages.
Causes are Strep, Flu and the common cold mostly, but
anything that causes an earache must be diagnosed as soon as possible. There
are many reasons and causes, many more severe than a mere earache!
Treatment?
There are several options available from over the counter
drugs to prescription antibiotics. In the more serious occurrences of the
Chronic Suppurative types, surgery may be necessary. Placement of a “grommet”
in the hole helps to reduce the risks of reoccurrences.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov
http://www.cdc.gov
