A Clinical Guide to Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is defined as the inability to apprehend sound. There are mainly three forms of hearing loss, namely, sensorineural hearing loss, conductive hearing loss and mixed hearing loss. A number of factors like genetics, ageing, exposure to noise, infections, birth complications, trauma to the ear, and certain medications or toxins can lead to hearing loss. Its primary symptoms involve difficulty in understanding speech, and pain or pressure in the ears. Hyperacusis, tinnitus, vertigo and tympanophonia are some secondary symptoms associated with hearing loss. Diagnostic methods include otoscopy, tympanometry and differential testing. MRI and CT scans are also used to determine the pathology of causes related to hearing loss. The management of this medical issue includes cochlear implants, hearing aids, middle ear implants and assistive technology. The various advancements in the study of hearing loss are glanced at and the management strategies are looked at in detail within this book. Clinicians in search of information to further their knowledge will be greatly assisted by it.