Causes Of Temporary Hearing Loss

The ability of ears to hear sounds is one of the important senses that the human being has. With the sense of hearing people can communicate with others, listen to music and watch movies. Some people however, lose their auditory ability due to certain internal or external causes, which is known as hearing loss. Hearing loss can often be temporary or permanent. Temporary hearing loss can be the consequence of severe ear infection, earwax build up or an exposure to loud sounds. Temporary hearing loss can normally be cured after proper treatment.

There are a number of different reasons for a temporary loss of hearing ability. One of such common causes of temporary hearing loss is an exposure to loud sounds. Loud sound is one of the most primary causes of temporary hearing loss. This condition is also known as noise-induced hearing impairment. Due to long term exposure to the loud sounds, the most delicate and sensitive parts of the inner ear get damaged, which finally results in hearing loss. This type of induced hearing loss is accompanied by tinnitus, ringing of the ears. If the loud sound exposure is continuous and if left untreated, the resultant hearing loss may be incurable and permanent. If people are exposed to loud sound environment and they are not able to hear loud speech around 3 feet away, then people can assume that their ears are exposed to dangerous noise levels.

If there is an internal ear impasse due to accumulation of earwax, then the condition can give rise to temporary hearing loss. Severe ear infections in the middle part can also cause temporary hearing loss. Also a sudden tear or rupture can occur in the eardrum, which can finally result in middle ear perforation. This condition may be accompanied by severe pain and bloody drainage out of the ear. This temporary disorder is known as otitis media with perforation. Temporary hearing loss can also result from injure to the sensory structures, that is the hair cells of the inner ear, auditory nerve pathway or auditory nerve present in the brain. These delicate sensory structures may get damaged by drugs, infections, skull injuries and tumors.

Intake of several medicines such as ibuprofen or aspirin for a long period of time can give rise to temporary hearing loss. This disorder cures when people stop taking these drugs. Some autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, polyarteritis nodosa and systemic lupus erythematosus are also responsible for temporary hearing loss. Temporary hearing loss can easily be treated and cured. As long term exposure to loud noise is the main cause of temporary hearing loss, people need to avoid the exposure to loud sounds as much as possible. If they are in the loud environment, should always protect their ears by wearing the earplugs or other auditory protective devices. Every one should make friends, family and colleagues, aware of the bad effects of loud sounds. If temporary loss of hearing ability is due to the accumulation of earwax, then people can get it removed from the doctor. The doctor can removes the earwax using some medicated solutions or a machine. Regular and proper cleaning of the ears is necessary in order to stop the accumulation of earwax.

• Matt Thompson
• 18/01/2009, 8:59 AM
• 0 Comments