Common Injuries and Issues That Can Cause Hearing Loss

Did you know that there are many different ways that you can lose your hearing? It's not just something that happens as you get older. Many things can cause hearing loss, and it can happen to anyone at any time. In this article, we'll discuss five of the most common injuries that can lead to hearing loss.

If you have experienced any of these injuries, it is important to get your hearing checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. You may be surprised to learn that there is help available for people who have lost their hearing!

Ototoxicity

Ototoxicity is hearing loss that is caused by exposure to certain medications or chemicals. It can happen suddenly or gradually, and it is often permanent. Symptoms of ototoxicity may include:

• Tinnitus: This is a ringing, buzzing or roaring sound in the ears.
• Hearing loss: You may have trouble hearing conversations, music or other sounds.
• Dizziness: You may feel lightheaded or unsteady on your feet.

If you think you have ototoxicity, it is important to see a doctor right away. There are no treatments that can reverse the damage, but there are things that can be done to help you cope with the hearing loss.

Some examples of ototoxic medications are:

• Certain antibiotics: aminoglycosides and vancomycin
• Certain cancer treatments: cisplatin, carboplatin and bleomycin.
• Some diuretics: furosemide, bumetanide and ethacrynic acid.
• Some medications used to treat mental illness: chlorpromazine, haloperidol and thioridazine.
• Some pain medications: acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen and ketorolac.

It's important to get your hearing checked out by an audiologist as soon as possible if you think you may have ototoxicity.

Meniere's Disease

Meniere's disease is a disorder of the inner ear that can cause hearing loss, tinnitus and dizziness. It is often caused by a build-up of fluid in the inner ear. Meniere's disease can be very debilitating and is often progressive. There is no cure for Meniere's disease, but there are treatments that can help relieve the symptoms.

Symptoms of Meniere's disease may include:

• Hearing loss: You may have trouble hearing conversations, music or other sounds. The hearing loss may come and go at first, but it will eventually become permanent.
• Tinnitus: This is a ringing, buzzing or roaring sound in the ears.
• Dizziness: You may feel lightheaded or unsteady on your feet. The dizziness may be so severe that you vomit or lose your balance and fall.

If you think you have Meniere's disease, it is important to see an audiologist right away. There is no cure for Meniere's disease, but there are treatments that can help relieve the symptoms. Treatment for Meniere's disease may include:

• Medications: These can help relieve the symptoms of Meniere's disease, such as dizziness and nausea.
• Dietary changes: Meniere's disease can be triggered by certain foods, such as salt. Cutting out trigger foods can help relieve the symptoms of Meniere's disease.

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a type of hearing loss that is caused by exposure to loud noise. NIHL can be temporary or permanent, and it can happen to anyone at any age. Noise-induced hearing loss is preventable, so it's important to take steps to protect your hearing.

If you think you have noise-induced hearing loss, it is important to see an audiologist right away. Noise-induced hearing loss is preventable, so it's important to take steps to protect your hearing. Treatment for noise-induced hearing loss may include:

• Medications: These can help relieve the symptoms of noise-induced hearing loss, such as tinnitus and dizziness.
• Hearing aids: Hearing aids can help people with noise-induced hearing loss hear better.

To learn more or if you have any questions, contact Audiology and Hearing Aid Services at 912-351-3038. Also, if you think you might have any of these conditions, please contact our office so we can help get you the treatment you need! We specialize in helping people with all types of hearing loss, and we would be happy to help you too! So, give us a call today!