Deafness: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

, pathologies, etc.

;

Middle ear deafness;

Deafness of the inner ear;

Deafness of the acoustic nerve; etc.

Finally, another system used to classify the different types of deafness is the one based on pathophysiological criteria. In this case, therefore, we can distinguish:

• Transmission or transmission deafness, in which the external ear and / or the transmissive structures of the middle ear are involved, which do not conduct sound correctly.
• Sensorineural deafness, in which the inner ear (cochlea) and / or the acoustic nerves (including the central ones) are involved.
• Mixed deafness, in which the loss or reduction of hearing is caused by causes that act both at the transmissive level and at the sensorineural level.

To learn more, read: Ear: Anatomy and Functions of the ear canal or other structures of the ear (external, middle or internal);

Neoplastic disorders (benign or malignant tumors);

Infections and inflammation of the middle and / or outer ear (such as, for example, ear infections), infectious diseases of the inner ear (such as meningitis or mumps) and of the auditory nerve (such as, for example, rubella ol "encephalitis);

Perforation of the tympanic membrane;

Acoustic trauma;

Head trauma;

Genetic factors that can lead to the onset of deafness at birth, or in the course of the patient's life;

Complications that arise during pregnancy (such as, for example, contraction of particular types of infections by the mother) or complications that arise during childbirth and which can lead to deafness in the newborn;

Neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis or strokes

Ménière's syndrome;

Use of ototoxic drugs (such as, for example, aminoglycoside antibiotics, antimalarials and some types of anticancer drugs);

Factors related to "advancing age" (presbycusis).

it occurs suddenly, on the contrary it can manifest gradually, thus giving rise to a symptomatology that can vary over time with the worsening of the hearing impairment.

In any case, among the most common signs and symptoms associated with deafness, we find:

• Difficulty in following the speeches and difficulties in understanding all the words that are said;
• Perception of muffled or distant sounds;
• Difficulty in perceiving low volume sounds;
• Vertigo (very common in case of deafness caused by specific pathologies, as in the case of Ménière's syndrome);
• Tinnitus;
• Pressure in the ear.

Furthermore, it is good to remember that people with deafness can also experience communication problems related to language, particularly when deafness is present from birth. In these cases of congenital deafness - due to the impossibility of acquiring the normal verbal patrimony during growth - the child can undergo the so-called deaf-mutism, although the language can still be taught through specific techniques.

In any case, even in the case of acquired deafness - therefore, in the case of deafness that develops over the course of the person's life - it is possible to face the total or partial loss of the verbal patrimony already acquired.

Generally, the lack of acquisition or loss of verbal heritage are phenomena associated with the complete and bilateral impairment of hearing, therefore, with what in the medical field is defined as cofosis.

), as well as it is necessary to become aware of any behaviors held by the patient (exposure to loud noises, intake of ototoxic drugs, etc.) which may have contributed to the onset of the reduction or loss of hearing.

The doctor may also perform an otoscopic examination to determine the presence of any obstructions or abnormalities of the ear canal, and to identify the presence of any infection or inflammation.

After the preliminary evaluation, the doctor, if he deems it necessary, can invite the patient to perform a specialist visit to an otolaryngologist, who will perform specific tests to make a complete and correct diagnosis.

, on which it is possible to surgically intervene to restore its integrity).

Furthermore, if the deafness is caused by infections or inflammations, or by taking ototoxic drugs, we proceed with the treatment of the latter or the suspension of the drug in question, in the hope that the damage caused to the ear is not permanent and that the hearing function can be restored.

On the other hand, in the case of sensorineural hearing loss, the treatment is not so simple. In fact, in these cases the hearing impairment is permanent. However, there are some therapeutic approaches that can help patients with these conditions improve their hearing and communication skills.

More specifically, patients with sensorineural deafness can resort (with the advice of their doctor) to the use of:

• Hearing aids: particular electronic devices equipped with a microphone capable of detecting sound, which is then amplified thanks to the presence of a special amplifier and sent to the ear via a loudspeaker.
• Cochlear implants: These particular implants are inserted surgically and are indicated in cases of severe deafness, both unilateral and bilateral. Unlike what happens with hearing aids - which simply "convey" the sound into the ear canal - cochlear implants are designed to perform the function of the part of the inner ear that is injured, sending information directly to the cochlear nerve. However, these implants are only useful for patients with sensorineural hearing loss that does not involve the acoustic nerves which must, therefore, be functional.

Finally, a very important role in the treatment of deafness is also played by the educational-social support and language training of the patient himself.