Hearing is one of the most important external senses a person It allows you to communicate, enjoy music and feel the world around you. Even a slight decrease in hearing can worsen the quality of life: there is often a need to interrogate interlocutors, it is increasingly difficult to understand speech, especially in noise, fatigue occurs from constant stress. Therefore, even a minor hearing impairment is a reason to consult a hearing specialist. Timely diagnosis will help identify the problem at an early stage and choose effective treatment.
Types and degrees of hearing impairment
Hearing disorders are classified according to the mechanism of damage:
- Conductive hearing loss is a type of hearing loss in which sound cannot travel normally to the inner ear. Because of this, sound signals do not reach the sound-receiving apparatus, and a person begins to hear worse – from a slight decrease in hearing to severe impairment.
In otolaryngology, two main types of hearing impairment are distinguished: conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. The neurosensory form is associated with damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, while the conductive form is caused by problems in the outer or middle ear that interfere with the normal conduction of sound.
- Sensorineural (neurosensory) deafness is associated with damage to the inner ear (hair cells of the organ of Corti), the auditory nerve, or the auditory center of the brain. This is the most common type of hearing loss in adults. With sensorineural hearing loss, the high-frequency component of sounds becomes less audible, the intelligibility of speech deteriorates, and tinnitus (ringing or ringing in the ears) often occurs. Unlike conductive deafness, sensorineural deafness, if it is already chronic, cannot be cured by conservative or surgical methods.
- Mixed deafness: combines elements of both mechanisms – simultaneous disruption of sound conduction and damage to the inner ear (for example, when there are changes in the structure of the inner ear against the background of chronic otitis media).
In addition, degrees of hearing impairment are distinguished – from mild (sound is less than 30 dB) to profound (over 90 dB), when a person practically cannot hear conversations up close. When the threshold of sound perception is reduced to 91 dB and above, we are talking about deafness.
Causes of hearing loss
The causes of hearing impairment are very diverse, they can be determined only by a doctor after a detailed examination. However, the most common factors include:
- Congenital factors: genetic predisposition or complications during pregnancy or childbirth can lead to congenital hearing loss.
- Ear or head injuries: Acoustic trauma (acubarotrauma), blows, sudden pressure drops, or foreign objects in the ear can damage hearing structures.
- Infections: acute or chronic diseases of the ear, nose, throat. For example, otitis media, meningitis, viral infections (influenza, measles, rubella) are common causes of deafness.
- Chronic noise: long-term exposure to loud sounds (work in a noisy factory, concert, headphones with loud music) gradually destroys the hairs of the inner ear, causing sensorineural deafness.
- Age-related changes: natural hearing loss with age (presbyacusis) develops due to wear and tear of cochlear hair cells and vascular disorders.
- Otosclerosis is a disease of the auditory system in which there is an abnormal growth of bone tissue in the middle ear. Most often, the process affects the area of the stapes: the bone loses its mobility, which disrupts the transmission of sound vibrations. As a result, hearing gradually decreases, tinnitus and episodes of dizziness may appear.
- Side effects of drugs: some drugs (antibiotics, aminoglycosides, anti-inflammatory drugs, chemotherapy drugs, diuretics) can have a negative effect on the inner ear.
- Other diseases: diabetes, problems with the thyroid gland, blood circulation disorders also negatively affect the function of the hearing aid.
The above are only general factors, each case is individual. In addition, there are cases of idiopathic (unspecified) hearing loss, where the cause remains unclear.
Symptoms of hearing impairment and diagnosis
Hearing loss is often not noticed immediately, especially if it occurs gradually. Typical signs and symptoms may include: the need to turn up the TV volume, constant questioning of interlocutors, tinnitus (noise, ringing in the ears), a feeling of “blockage” in the ear. Hearing loss can also be accompanied by dizziness or imbalance in the case of damage to the inner ear.
At the first suspicions, it is important to consult a doctor immediately. An otolaryngologist (ENT) or audiologist in Kyiv will conduct an ear examination and perform the necessary hearing tests. For accurate diagnosis, use:
- Audiometry: the patient responds to sounds of different frequencies and volumes – with the help of special equipment, the threshold of sound perception (audiogram) is determined.
- Tympanometry (impedance measurement): the mobility of the tympanic membrane and the condition of the middle ear are checked (the ear pressure gauge evaluates the response of the membrane to changes in pressure).
- Additional examinations: magnetic resonance imaging (to rule out tumors or abnormalities) or consultations of other specialists are prescribed if necessary.
At the Medicentr clinic in Kyiv, patients can undergo a comprehensive hearing examination using modern equipment, including audiometry and impedance measurement (tympanometry), with the consultation of an experienced audiologist. The results of the examination determine the degree and type of hearing loss – this is necessary for choosing the optimal treatment tactics.
Treatment of hearing disorders
The method of treatment depends on the cause and type of violation:
- Medical treatment: for acute or chronic inflammation of the ear (for example, otitis media, eustachitis), the doctor prescribes drugs and ear drops with an anti-inflammatory or antibacterial effect. If the cause is an excess of earwax (sulfur plug), it is painlessly removed with a special wash – and hearing is immediately restored.
In case of sudden hearing loss, acoustic trauma, Ménière’s disease, etc., steroid drugs, hyperbaric oxygenation, vestibular exercises can be used to restore hearing and balance.
- Operative treatment (operations on the ear): carried out in case of structural damage. For example, tympanoplasty is a surgical restoration of the eardrum and auditory ossicles. The operation closes perforations or defects of the membrane, if necessary, replaces or reconstructs the auditory ossicles. The purpose of tympanoplasty is to improve sound conduction and prevent complications (purulent processes, cholesteatoma, meningitis, etc.). Operations are also performed in case of otosclerosis (plasty of the stapes) and other lesions of the middle ear. It is important to understand that surgery is effective only for certain diseases, and if the hearing loss is associated with damage to the auditory nerve or general processes (age changes, genetics), the operation will not give the expected result. Any surgery on the ear can have risks of complications (infection, bleeding, facial nerve injury), so it is extremely important that the surgeon is experienced and the equipment is modern. After surgery, rehabilitation is usually prescribed under the supervision of an ENT surgeon for optimal recovery.
- Hearing aids (hearing aids and cochlear implantation): If the hearing loss is irreversible, such as sensorineural, the main method of compensation is hearing aids or cochlear implantation. Hearing aids amplify sound and help a person improve speech perception. ReSound is a well-known Danish manufacturer of innovative hearing aids. The Medicenter offers certified ReSound solutions that provide the most natural sound and comfort even in a noisy environment. The range of ReSound hearing aids includes models with Bluetooth support (for connecting to a smartphone), wireless charging, as well as special solutions for children. The line covers all degrees of hearing loss – from mild to profound (deafness) – and different price segments (from basic to premium).
At the Medicenter clinic in Kyiv, hearing aids are performed comprehensively and professionally:
- Consultation of an audiologist, otolaryngologist: detailed review of complaints, history and preliminary ENT examination.
2. Comprehensive hearing examination: audiometry and impedance measurement (tympanometry) to accurately determine the degree of impairment.
3. Selection of ReSound hearing aids: choosing a model based on the results of the examination and the wishes of the patient.
4. Programming and testing: adjusting the parameters of the hearing aid to the individual perception of the patient and the trial period of use.
In cases of severe and profound hearing impairment (deafness), when hearing aids no longer provide sufficient amplification, cochlear implantation is required. This is a complex operation to install a cochlear implant, which significantly improves the quality of life of people with severe hearing loss.
Modern care at the Medicenter (Kyiv)
In Kyiv, the “Medicenter” clinic (department of hearing diagnostics and hearing prosthetics) offers modern comprehensive care for hearing impairments. Here, all conditions have been created for the examination and treatment of various forms of hearing impairment, including deafness. The Medicenter team of specialists, which includes otolaryngologists, otosurgeons, audiologists and hearing prosthetists, provides the patient with comprehensive support. All doctors have modern treatment methods, regularly improve their qualifications and have a large clinical experience.
The medical center is equipped with the latest audiological equipment. Modern diagnostic complexes make it possible to quickly and painlessly examine hearing in children and adults. Medical devices make it possible to examine the ear under magnification, conduct audiometry, tympanometry and, if necessary, perform additional examinations. Thanks to this, in most cases, an accurate diagnosis is established in one visit.
At Medicenter, patients receive a full range of hearing care in one place: from diagnosis, medical treatment to complex surgical operations on the ear and hearing prosthesis. The medical center is a medical partner of the ReSound company in Ukraine, so patients are provided with the highest quality hearing aids and service support. After selecting hearing solutions, doctors from “Medicenter” conduct further monitoring and, if necessary, adjust the settings, ensuring comfortable use.
Advantages of applying to “Medycentre” in Kyiv:
- Availability of modern equipment (audiometers, impedance meters, video endoscopes) for a comprehensive hearing examination.
- A qualified team of specialists (hearing specialists, ENT surgeons, otolaryngologists, hearing prosthetists) specializing in hearing problems.
- Individual approach: treatment and hearing aids are selected taking into account the patient’s age, lifestyle and wishes.
- Doctors of the center provide consultations to both adults and children.
- The center takes care of patients: it provides a guarantee for ReSound hearing aids, provides service.
Thus, modern hearing treatment in Kyiv involves a comprehensive approach. If the hearing impairment was detected in time, it is often possible to restore hearing completely, or significantly improve it. Even if complete “recovery” is impossible (for example, in case of chronic sensorineural hearing loss), an audiologist, a hearing aid specialist will help you adapt as much as possible: choose the latest ReSound hearing aids and improve sound perception and quality of life. The entire treatment program – from examination to the selection of hearing aids and constant support – is implemented on the basis of one center, which is equipped with modern technologies.
Therefore, the treatment of hearing disorders can be both conservative and surgical. An otolaryngologist will determine the cause and select the optimal method: medications or physical procedures (for example, in acute otitis media), surgical intervention on the ear (tympanoplasty, stapedoplasty, mastoidectomy, tympanic membrane bypass) or hearing prosthesis with high-tech ReSound hearing aids. There are many such modern services in Kyiv, but “Medycentr” is distinguished by a comprehensive approach and the presence of all specialists in one institution. Therefore, if you have noticed hearing problems in yourself or your loved ones, do not delay – contact an experienced audiologist or otolaryngologist for an examination. Timely treatment and professional help of a hearing aid specialist during the selection of a hearing aid can significantly improve your quality of life.
Sources: the official website of the Medicenter “Medicenter”, medical articles and resources on otolaryngology.