People suffer from complete or partial hearing problems in one or both sides of the ear, varying from mild to profound intensity. Common belief suggests only older adults are vulnerable to this issue, but the reality is different. About 500k Singaporeans are detected with hearing ailments. If you or your loved one struggles with soft or distant sounds, speech in a noisy environment, etc., seeking ENT help is essential. Someone with vertigo, ringing in the ear, and a habit of turning up the volume on the television should also get checked. They can have a hearing disorder. Do you live in Singapore? You can visit a locally recognized clinic for immediate medical attention.
One can also check https://earnosethroat.com.sg for reference. Going to an ENT clinic at an early stage will be helpful, too, as hearing problems often increase dementia risks. Milder cases can be two times susceptible, moderate about three times, and severe about five times. Timely detection and treatment can eliminate or delay the onset of dementia in at least one in 13 people on average. Let's see how ENTs usually approach hearing disorder patients.
Diagnosis of hearing disorder
Hearing problems can be of three types: sensorineural, conductive, and mixed. Sensorineural hearing impairment or nerve deafness concerns the inner ear and is usually permanent. Conductive hearing troubles involve a middle or outer ear that blocks the sound from getting to the inner ear. Medicines or surgery can treat them. Mixed hearing loss occurs due to problems in the inner and outer or middle ear. The outer ear often gets impacted by earwax, entry of foreign elements, or abnormal ear canal. The middle ear can suffer from infection, fluid build-up, drum hole damage, abnormal bone structure, etc. Inner ear problems are often associated with ageing, viral infection, degenerated hearing nerve, medication-induced nerve damage, etc.
To understand the underlying cause, an ENT will examine your nose, ear canal, tympanic membrane, and other relevant body parts. They can also perform hearing tests to ascertain the severity of your hearing problem. Some people also need radiological imaging, such as MRI and CT. Your doctor will want to know your signs, symptoms, and medical history. Ultimately, the combined knowledge of your old medical report and existing condition will lead them to design a proper treatment for your ears.
Common treatments for hearing disorder
Some patients rely on hearing devices to hear the sounds clearly and distinctly. If ear infection is the main culprit, topical antibiotics can be recommended. They may also ask you to stop or change medications that seem to have interfered with your ear health. However, surgeries can be advised for ear bone deformities, bony growth in the ear canal, damaged eardrums, and recurring ear infections.Â
Some hearing loss can be improved or cured with suitable medical interventions. However, others can be permanent. Still, ENTs can provide the proper support and care to improve a patient's life. Under the guidance of efficient specialists, you can easily manage your hearing trouble. Those who are safe from these problems should take preventive measures. A good diet, exercising, regular ENT visits, and avoiding loud music can save your ears from many unwanted situations.
