Your ears—made up of outer, middle and inner sections—work tirelessly every day to help you hear your loved ones, music and the chirping birds at Delthorne Park. But when something goes wrong, those familiar sounds can quickly disappear. Let’s explore some common issues that can affect your hearing and how you can manage them.
Ear Infections
An estimated 80% of children will have an ear infection by age four. An ear infection causes inflammation and fluid buildup behind the eardrum, leading to discomfort and muffled hearing. While many infections resolve on their own, others may require antibiotics. If you or your child develop frequent ear infections, your provider may recommend ear tubes to prevent them.
Earwax Buildup
Earwax, or cerumen, naturally cleans and protects the ear canal. However, excessive accumulation can block the canal, resulting in hearing loss, earache and a sensation of fullness in the ear. Avoid attempting to remove earwax with cotton swabs, as this can push it deeper and damage the ear canal. Instead, schedule a professional removal to restore clear hearing.
Otosclerosis
As you age, your bones continuously renew themselves. Otosclerosis occurs when new bone grows abnormally in the ear, disrupting the normal transmission of sound. For mild cases, a hearing aid can help amplify sound. In more severe cases, your provider may recommend a stapedectomy. A stapedectomy involves putting a prosthetic device into the middle ear to bypass the abnormal bone growth and restore hearing.
Acoustic Neuroma
An acoustic neuroma, or vestibular schwannoma, is a non-cancerous tumor that develops on the nerve connecting the ear to the brain. As it grows, the resulting pressure can cause hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and balance issues. If an acoustic neuroma doesn’t cause symptoms, it usually doesn’t require treatment. If it is large enough to cause symptoms, your treatment options include hearing aids, surgery or radiation therapy.
When To Seek Treatment
Untreated hearing issues can lead to social isolation, communication difficulties and poor mental health. If you notice signs like frequently asking others to repeat themselves or increasing the volume on your TV or radio, contact Torrance Audiology to schedule an exam with one of our specialists.