{"id":42147,"date":"2023-11-21T16:25:14","date_gmt":"2023-11-21T08:25:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/glutenfreepleasure.com\/__proxy_domain\/parentsworld.com.sg\/?p=42147"},"modified":"2023-11-21T16:27:09","modified_gmt":"2023-11-21T08:27:09","slug":"featured-interview-expert-insight-into-understanding-hearing-loss-its-management","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/glutenfreepleasure.com\/__proxy_domain\/parentsworld.com.sg\/2023\/11\/21\/featured-interview-expert-insight-into-understanding-hearing-loss-its-management\/","title":{"rendered":"Featured Interview: Expert Insight into Understanding & Managing Hearing Loss"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Hearing loss is more common than one might think and even though age plays an important role in hearing loss, young people can also suffer from hearing loss and other ear disorders. It is estimated that 1 in 11 people in Singapore suffer from some degree of hearing loss.<\/p>

We posed some questions on hearing loss and management of hearing conditions to Dr. Rebecca Heywood,<\/strong>\u00a0 Senior Consultant in Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery\/ Otology, Neurotology & Hearing Implants at Nuffield Medical, Singapore.<\/p>

Read on to find her insightful answers:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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DR Rebecca Heywood<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Q. What are the common types of hearing losses one should be aware of?<\/h4>

Dr. Heywood:<\/b>\u00a0 There are three main types of hearing loss. By far the most common is sensorineural hearing loss when the inner ear (cochlea), auditory (cochlear) nerve or central auditory pathways to the brain are damaged or malformed. Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound conduction through the outer or middle ear is impeded, meaning that sound can\u2019t get to the cochlea in the way that it should. And finally mixed hearing loss is when there is a combination of both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. Hearing loss may come on gradually or suddenly. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss is considered an emergency and should be treated urgently.<\/p>

Q. Is some degree of hearing loss natural after a certain age?<\/h4>

Dr. Heywood:<\/b> Yes, some degree of hearing loss is extremely common as we get older. This condition is often referred to as presbycusis. Presbycusis typically occurs gradually and affects both ears equally. It primarily involves a gradual decline in the ability to hear high-pitched sounds. Several factors contribute to age-related hearing loss, including changes in the inner ear,
changes in the middle ear, and changes in the nerves leading from the ear to the brain. Exposure to loud noises over the years, genetics, certain medical conditions, and certain medications can also play a role in age-related hearing loss. In other words, it is the sum of all the small insults to our ears over many years and the degeneration that occurs in all parts
of our body as we age. While age-related hearing loss is common, that doesn\u2019t mean that we shouldn\u2019t treat it!
Hearing loss affects older people detrimentally just as it does younger people. The degree and impact can vary from person to person. Regular hearing tests can help identify and address hearing loss early, and hearing rehabilitation may be recommended to improve communication and quality of life for individuals experiencing age-related hearing loss.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Q. Does hearing loss become progressively worse? Is there anything that one can do to
reverse the damage and\/ or prevent further damage?<\/h4>

Dr. Heywood<\/strong>: It depends on the type of hearing loss and the cause. In some cases, hearing loss may be reversible or partially reversible with appropriate medical intervention. Earwax and outer and middle ear infections are causes of conductive hearing loss that can be treated easily and the hearing loss will resolve. However, it’s crucial to note that sensorineural hearing loss, which is the most common type of hearing loss, is generally not reversible. Once the hair cells in the inner ear are damaged,
they do not regenerate, and the hearing loss is considered permanent. This is particularly worrying in our young people, an increasing number of whom are affected by permanent, irreversible sensorineural hearing loss due to recreational exposure to loud sound! Some types of sensorineural hearing loss do not progress and stay the same over many
years. Other types, such as age-related hearing loss, tend to be progressive, meaning it gradually worsens over time. However, there are steps individuals can take to manage and potentially slow down the progression of hearing loss \u2013 see last question answers below.<\/p>

Q.I need to strain my ears or turn up the volume to hear better. Is this a cause for concern? Do I need medical intervention?<\/h4>

Dr. Heywood<\/strong>: Yes, these symptoms can be indicative of hearing loss, and it’s important to have your hearing evaluated by a healthcare professional, such as an audiologist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. You may or may not need medical intervention depending on their findings. Hearing loss often comes on very insidiously. As a result, even the person with hearing loss may not know that they have got it. Furthermore, it does not just lead to a reduction in volume. Inner ear (sensorineural) hearing loss also causes a reduction in clarity because the inner ear can no longer accurately transmit all the information received by the ear to the brain. As a result, the first things that adults may notice is that they can hear people talking but can\u2019t quite understand what they are saying. This problem is worse in when there is background noise, for example when several people are talking or in a restaurant.<\/p>

Ignoring signs of hearing loss and not seeking timely intervention can have various consequences including:<\/p>